Sir Peter Soulsby to PM at PMQs:- "Mr Speaker, I know the Prime Minister is well aware of the immense benefits of regeneration that have resulted from the Government's support for British Waterways since 1997 and the contribution that waterways now make to leisure, tourism, education, heritage and transport. Is he aware of the very serious problems and the fear being caused by the sudden cuts in Defra grant and will he discuss with ministerial colleagues a sustainable funding model and status for British Waterways that secures the future of this unique national asset?" PM's reply Well, er... I have to confess to my honourable friend I wasn't fully aware of all the changes in British Waterways and canals - but I am now! And it is correct that, actually, over the past few years there has been a very significant rise in the way people use our canals and waterways and the British Waterways Board has done a superb job as well, and actually, as a result of this it has been turned around from where it was a decade ago. However, they like everyone else, have to live within the means that we set ourselves and it is important that we make sure that in addition... we are actually giving additional money since those that were available in 1997, but the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs, like everyone else, must live within their means."
Apart from the PM demonstrating that he was ignorant of the cuts to BW I thought that the quote "they have to live within the means that we set ourselves" was very interesting - isn't that precisely what BW was trying to do before the cuts ! NbBaffledbypolitics
