One local MP got this from Barry Gardiner, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs:
The Government has no plans to privatise British Waterways. The article in the Business Section of the Times was prompted by the release of a brief by Britsih Waterways to a number of business consultants, inviting proposals on options for changing its current institutional form and financial structure. British Waterways had neither consulted nor advised Defra that privatisation was to be included as an option in this way. Defra's review of British Waterways in 2004/5 recommended that British Waterways explore innovative ways of funding to secure the long-term security of its waterways. However, Defra had asked that British Waterways should examine all options except privatisation. I have written to British Waterway's chairman setting out my Department's clear position.
