Email: ccu.correspondence@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.defra.gov.uk

Dear Mrs Bolton,

Thank you for your letter to Hilary Benn of 13 June about the sale of lock-keepers' houses. I have been asked to reply.

Following a meeting with the Minister Phil Woolas and MPs Martin Salter and Theresa May, the EA have agreed to put on hold any changes proposed by the lock house review until we have completed our full review of Waterways staff roles and responsibilities, and terms and conditions.

No action will be taken to sell or rent lock houses until these negotiations on the full review are completed. The EA anticipates that this will take 6 months but this guarantee will continue until all negotiations are completed or January 1, 2009, which ever is latest. The EA will then review the position on lock houses with lock-keepers and their representatives and with the MPs group.

I hope that this letter addresses your concerns.

Yours sincerely,

James Sheffield

Defra - Customer Contact Unit