Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 March 2012.

Waterways: Canals

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 13 February (WA 142), why canal lengths were given in kilometres rather than in miles.

Answer: It has been accepted practice to use kilometres as a measure since 1965. It may be helpful to clarify that British Waterways is responsible for about 1,485 miles of navigable canals in England, all of which are open for tourism except when closed for maintenance and repairs. The Environment Agency has one canal, and that is open to tourists. There are at least 143 miles of navigable canals managed by a wide range of other bodies, including local authorities, port authorities and charitable trusts. Some canals under restoration by canal trusts/societies may still be open to tourists.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15756; 735 c416WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Questions for Written Answer
Monday, 26 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Waterways: Canals
Monday, 13 February 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Inland waterways
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk