Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 28 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 November 2005. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Friday, 2 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Navigable Waterways (England)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many rivers in England are navigable by unpowered craft; whether she plans to increase that number; and whether she plans to improve access to those waters for canoeists.

Answer: The lengths of water for canoeing on canals, rivers with public navigation rights, and rivers with formal access agreements in England total some 5,000 km (34 per cent. of the major river and canal network.Following a study commissioned from the Countryside Agency into the feasibility of improving recreational access to water, DEFRA has asked the Environment Agency to complete agreements in four pilot areas; the Teme, Waveney, Wear, and Mersey. In addition, we are supporting the Agency in its proposals to work with other stakeholders in developing regional strategies to identify new opportunities for access to rivers and canals.

Secondary information