§ Mr. Swainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on access by the public to inland waters for sporting and other activities and the scale of charges appropriate.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIt is the Government's policy to encourage the maximum use of inland waters for recreational purposes. The Water Act 1973 requires water authorities to take such steps as are reasonably practicable for putting their rights to the use of water and associated land to the best use for the purposes of recreation. They may also, with the consent of owners, make use of private land for recreation. Water authorities are responsible for fixing charges for these as for their other services.