asked Her Majesty's Government:What plans they have for the future organisation of the watercourse management division of the Department of Agriculture.

Having recently completed the prior options study which was announced to Parliament on 20th July 1994, the Government has decided that the watercourse management division should become a next steps agency from 1st October 1996. The division is responsible for the provision of flood defence and river drainage systems and for promoting the sustainable development of inland navigation and water recreation facilities. By making the watercourse management division a next steps agency it will have the flexibility to operate within a framework of appropriate efficiency targets and performance indicators, while remaining a part of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.