PRIVATISATION OF BRITISH WATERWAYS

That this House notes that British Waterways has undergone a transformation in recent years, with tens of millions of pounds of public money invested in the inland waterway network; believes that this has benefited both rural and urban communities throughout the country; notes that the Government has asked British Waterways to consider methods of maximising its income; further notes that there has been universal condemnation of any idea of privatising the canals and river navigations; and strongly believes that privatisation of the inland waterways should not be an option pursued by any government.