Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 91863
River Weaver: Repairs and Maintenance
Tabled: 17 November 2025
Answered: 24 November 2025
Question
Andrew Cooper
Labour — Mid Cheshire
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of the duties of the Canal and River Trust to maintain the River Weaver Navigation for navigation purposes in terms of (a) draught and (b) the furthest distance upstream required to meet the duty.
Answer
Emma HardyIt is the responsibility of organisations with statutory duties, including the Canal and River Trust, to ensure compliance with them. Maintaining the River Weaver for navigation is an operational matter for the Trust, and it’s important the Government respects the Trust’s operational independence.