Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action the Environment Agency has taken to improve access to waters for canoeists. [39476]
§ Alun MichaelOn those navigations managed by the Agency, it has taken measures to improve facilities for canoeists. Canoe portage facilities have been installed on the rivers Great Ouse, Nene, and Stour with similar works planned for other rivers including the Thames. On rivers where there is no right of navigation, the Agency has sought to improve access for canoeists nationally through the Angling and Canoe Liaison Group which it hosts, chairs, and provides secretarial support for. With support from this Group, the Agency has funded the production of a booklet, "Agreeing Access to Water for Canoeing".
Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which members of the Environment Agency Board have had interests in(a) angling and (b) boating/canoeing. [39479]
§ Alun MichaelNo information is retained on the leisure activities of Environment Agency Board Members.
Board Members are drawn from, but do not represent, a wide range of relevant interests. They are selected on the basis that their stature, background and breadth of experience will enable them to make wide-ranging, direct and relevant contributions to the management of the Agency.