asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional mileage of canals has become available for leisure activities in each of the past six years.

The information is not available in the form requested. Some form of leisure activity takes place on virtually all canals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has made, or is considering making, an application to the European Regional Development Fund for financial assistance, or to the European Investment Bank for a loan, to assist in the development of Great Britain's inland waterways.

My right hon. Friend has not, to date, put forward any applications concerning inland waterways to the European Regional Development Fund, and there are no projects currently under consideration for submission. The Department has no knowledge of any applications to the European Investment Bank in respect of inland waterways in Great Britain.