HC Deb 22 October 2001 vol 373 cc101-2W
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance the Port of London Authority issues to organisations facilitating canoeing on the River Thames; and who is the member of staff in the Authority responsible for non-powered craft using the River Thames.[8325]

Mr. Jamieson

I understand that the Port of London Authority publishes a number of brochures and notices to inform commercial and recreational users of the river Thames on matters that the PLA considers important for the general safety and well being of users of the tidal river Thames. An expanded website that will include this and other relevant information is in the process of being developed for promulgation in the New Year.

The navigational byelaws are enforced for all the tideway users and no particular member of staff is charged with the responsibility for non-powered craft. The Harbour Master in the upper district and the lower district is warranted to uphold the regulations within the byelaws as appropriate.

Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action the Port of London Authority is taking to encourage watersports on the River Thames; and if he will make a statement.[8324]

Mr. Jamieson

I understand that the Port of London Authority (PLA) is a member of the organising committees of the Thames Festival, Thames Traditional Rowing Association and the Boat Race; it is also a Thames Watermen's Cutter owner, providing its cutter for use by local youth groups in the Royal Victoria Dock under the auspices of the London borough of Newham recreation department and entering it for various cutter races.

The Port of London Authority also manages the navigational control of all of the river events and regattas in the calendar held between Gravesend and Teddington, numbering some 300 events annually. These include the Varsity Boat Race, the Heads of the River Races, the various Thames Watermen's Cutter races, the Transport on Water Barge Driving Race, Doggett's Coat and Badge Wager and the Great River Race, which takes place in September each year.