Whilst it is quite reasonable to be concerned about some of the pre-prepared answers to questions, I think it is fair to say that these didn't in the end play a huge part in the discussions that actually took place at the meeting.
I agree that the answers to some of those questions look highly suspect, and for that reason I didn't hold out the highest expectations of the meeting.
All I can say is that at the meeting itself Sally Ash managed to seem much more prepared to engage with the boaters present, and to listen to what they actually had to say. Several had warned us beforehand that they didn't see this as her usual style, but I have to say that on the day I couldn't fault her. They were very prepared to admit they haven't got things right in the past, and seemed genuinely enthusiastic to try and do better.
Trust me, we gave as good as we got when some of the more contentious stuff was discussed, such as the differing impacts on an area, and the residents and businesses in it, when comparing (say) the hire boat trade, and the needs of private boaters. People like John ("Cotswoldman") made very strong points about live-aboard boaters doing as much (or more) for local economies and canal-side businesses as those who sometimes seem to get listened to more.
I don't think I'm someone who is easily fooled by someone putting on an act, or trying to just use the words that they think I want to hear, and I am prepared to take how Sally and her colleagues engaged us in the meeting itself at face value.
Give this dialogue a chance - this independent initiative in my view is already making more progress in trying to change attitudes than your elected representatives appear to be.