SOUTHERN WATERWAYS

That this House notes the welcome improvement in the southern waterways; further notes that in recent years canals such as the Kennet and Avon and Basingstoke have been restored while rivers like the Thames have been cleaned up; further notes the valuable regeneration projects that have taken place along rivers and canals throughout the south which provide new business and recreation opportunities for many; deplores the funding cut to British Waterways and the Environment Agency in the 2006-07 financial year; further notes the possible threats to these and other southern waterways by these Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ordered cuts; fears that planned restorations such as the Cotswolds Canal may now falter; further notes that the Gloucester and Sharpness canal is now closed unless pre-booked, costing jobs within British Waterways and to local businesses; wishes to see enhanced waterways not degraded ones; and calls upon the Government immediately to restore this year's grant in aid to both agencies and to ensure continued funding in future years.