Adrian Stott wrote: > BW is in fact a business, a government-owned company. It is directed > by the government to charge for what is provides at market prices.
You missed out the "as far as possible" from the Financial Memorandum. The FM also says: "Under powers contained in the 1962 and 1968 Transport Acts BW has responsibility for over 3,200km of canals and rivers, including statutory navigation and safety functions. It carries out these responsibilities within a wider context where, subject to economic and environmental appraisal and in partnership with others in the public and private sectors, it aims to promote and accommodate conservation and regeneration; to maintain and enhance leisure, recreation, tourism and educational opportunities for the general public; and to facilitate waterway transport." So the "as far as possible" clearly indicates that a balance is to be struck in cases where the two might confilct. Richard
