Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 8 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 March 2001. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Friday, 16 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Office over plans to increase access to water for non-powered craft in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Scottish Executive's consultation paper on draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, copy in Library.

Answer: Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Scottish Parliament and the Scotland Office over plans to increase access to water for non-powered craft in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [153684] Mr. Robert Ainsworth: I have seen the Scottish Executive's consultation paper on the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and we will observe its progress with interest. So far as access to water for non-powered craft in England and Wales is concerned, my officials have held discussions with a number of interested parties following which we recently let a contract led by the University of Brighton to establish the facts about participation.

Secondary information