Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 January 2008. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2008 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Inland Waterways

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of waterways and canals have been lost for transportation purposes in each year since 1997.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.None. On the contrary, the network of canals and waterways managed by our sponsored navigation bodies (British Waterways, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority) has expanded by 150 miles since 1997. This is largely due to British Waterways' involvement in a number of restoration schemes. It is also currently involved in the restoration of a further 50 miles of canals.We have no information on waterways managed by other navigation bodies.

Secondary information