§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the International Maritime Organisation recommendations on changing ballast water mid-ocean were followed in respect of the ships sent from the US for dismantling in Hartlepool. [152701]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 3 February 2004]: The vessels were appropriately ballasted for a towed transoceanic passage to the UK. No changes to the ballast water were made on route or after arrival at Hartlepool. If a decision was to be taken to discharge ballast water in Hartlepool then Able UK would need to submit a ballast water management plan for approval by the Environment Agency.