§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the environmental assessment underlying the decision that dismantling of the US ghost ships on Teesside is now the preferred environmental option; what views have recently been expressed on the matter by the Environment Agency; on what date her view was reached; and if she will make a statement. [169857]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 30 April 2004]: The Government position remains as stated to the House on 22 April 2004, Official Report, column 435. Four US ships are currently docked in Graythorp dock near Hartlepool. Applications are due to be submitted for the necessary permissions for dismantling to take place at this location, and an associated Environmental Impact Assessment is being prepared. The applications will need to be considered by the relevant authorities. In the meantime, dismantling work is prevented, and the ships are subject to regular inspection by the Environment Agency.