§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of inland waterways are accessible to canoeists(a) freely and (b) on payment of a fee. [48207]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The Department's most recent findings on access to water by canoeists are contained in our research report, "Water-Based Sport and Recreation: the facts" which was published in December 2001. The researchers did not distinguish between paid and unpaid access where agreements were in place. Canoeists (and other users) have a free right of access to those inland rivers and canals which have public navigation rights.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she is taking to improve access to inland waterways for canoeists; and if she will make a statement. [48203]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Our research report, "Water-based Sport and Recreation: the facts" was published in December 2001. The report has aroused a great deal of interest amongst the canoeing community abd I have set out our approach in responses to letters from many hon. and right hon. Members.
My officials recently met British Waterways, the Countryside Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency and Sport England as the other sponsors of the research along with other interested Government Departments to discuss the report's findings which are quite complex. Just before Easter my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Rural Affairs (Alun 882W Michael) met the hon. Member for Harrow West (Gareth Thomas) and representatives of the British Canoe Union to hear their views. We are considering what action to take in light of the report's findings.