§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will bring forward proposals to improve hazard warning arrangements at privately owned bathing beaches and adjacent waters in England and Wales; [27255]
(2) If he will bring forward proposals to improve hazard warning arrangements for bathers in waters close to shore where trawling with nets is known to occur. [27526]
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 6 June 1995]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has no powers to deal with these matters. Local authorities can, subject to the approval of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department make byelaws regulating boating activities within 1,000 m of the high water mark. Within the areas, for which they are responsible, harbour authorities can regulate navigation. Commercial fishing activities are regulated in England and Wales by local sea fisheries committees. Subject to the general law on liability, sea bathing is undertaken at the bather's own risk.