To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by how much the cost of boating licences will increase in each of the next three years; and what assessment he has made of the impact of these rises on the boating industry in England. (101078)

DEFRA sponsors the three largest navigation authorities, which are British Waterways (BW), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Broads Authority.

BW plans to increase fees by 2.7 per cent. from 1 April 2007 and is considering an additional 10 per cent. increase over and above the agreed licence fee index from 2008 onwards. The EA, following consultation with users, has approved an increase in registration fees of 12 per cent. for 2007-08, with the total increase over the next three years likely to be around 40 per cent. The Broads Authority charges tolls for vessels using its waterways. Tolls for 2007-08 have not been finalised but are likely to increase by 9.9 per cent. for private craft and 6.1 per cent. for hire fleet vessels.

The cost of maintaining our inland waterways is considerable and in order for them to remain sustainable, boaters need to contribute a fair and reasonable amount. Research and consultation carried out by DEFRA-sponsored navigation authorities suggest that, while any increase in licence and/or registration fees is unpopular, they are still manageable. The cost of boating on other inland waterways is a matter for the relevant navigation authority.