The transfer 'bubbles' again

IT LOOKS like the proposal to transfer of EA waterways has bubbled to the surface in parliament again. However, this time, the wording suggests all of the Environment Agency's navigable inland waterways, writes Mick Fitzgibbons. This is an exchange noted in Hansard (Written question and reply.)

Lord German, Liberal Democrat, tabled question about the transfer of EA waters to CaRT:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect the Canal and River Trust to assume responsibility for the Environment Agency's navigable inland waterways.

The reply

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

The Government's long-term aim is to transfer the Environment Agency's navigations to the Canal & River Trust. We are open to sensible and serious proposals from both the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust and I understand that they have been working well together to develop options.

I await their proposals with interest.