To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether British Waterways plans to compensate (a) boat owners and (b) business owners affected by the temporary closure of a stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

British Waterways is not able to refund license or mooring fees. The terms and conditions of mooring agreements and boat licenses explain that historic canals may on occasion need to be closed due to circumstances beyond British Waterways' reasonable control. The planned closure of one section of the Leeds and Liverpool canal is due to the severe drought. British Waterways have been working with affected boat businesses to minimise the impact of the closure, including assistance with relocation to other unaffected areas.