§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional mileage of canals has become available for leisure activities in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThe waterways of the British Waterways Board have all been available for leisure pursuits of one kind or another, including pleasure cruising on the 1,400 miles of "commercial" and "cruising" waterways. Since 1968 the board has negotiated with local authorities and other interests for the restoration of about 240 miles of its remainder waterways for pleasure cruising—so far 32 miles have been opened for such use—and for the development of about 120 miles for other amenity use.
Comprehensive information is not readily available on the leisure use of independently-owned canals.