§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what investigations his inspectors have carried out into conditions aboard a sewage sludge vessel operated out of Newport docks by a Greek company under contract to the Welsh water authority; and if he will publish their report;
(2) what investigations have been carried out by his inspectors as to the seaworthiness of a sewage sludge vessel operated out of Newport docks by a Greek company under contract to the Welsh water authority; and if he will publish their report;
(3) whether he is satisfied that the sewage sludge vessel operated out of Newport docks by a Greek company under contract to the Welsh water authority has a proper safety certificate and is insured properly.
§ Mr. TebbitThe "Anavissos II", a sludge tanker of 568.2 GRT, is owned and registered in Greece. The vessel has been visited on three occasions by marine surveyors of my Department. A general inspection disclosed a number of deficiencies which the inspectors required to be rectified and this has been done. The vessel's manning level and certification were in order with the exception of an expired temporary radio-telephony certificate which it is understood has since been renewed. I am advised that the "Anavissos II" is in class for insurance purposes; the Classification Society has also confirmed that all safety certificates are valid and that there are no operational restrictions on the vessel.