Rivers and Estuaries: Derelict Boats

Question

Asked by

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the environmental and navigational risks posed by derelict boats abandoned on rivers and estuaries, and what steps they are taking to ensure their removal.

My Lords, no assessment has been made by the Government, as responsibility for operational matters on inland waterways rests with the relevant navigation authority. This includes dealing with derelict or sunken boats and their removal, and any risk to the environment or to navigation. Navigation authorities have statutory powers to remove such boats when they deem it necessary and appropriate, but have statutory duties to do so only in certain circumstances.