Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Canoeists

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to what percentage of the total length of rivers in the United Kingdom canoeists have full access throughout the year; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 6 February 2006]: 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) but the canoeists right of access may be limited at certain times of year (eg during the angling season).Responsibility for access to rivers in Scotland and Wales lies with the devolved Administrations rather than with Defra.

Secondary information