§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that sand banks or barriers in the estuaries of Wales are recharted following the grounding of the Sea Empress. [23802]
§ Mr. NorrisMy Department keeps the need for hydrographic surveys under review through the Marine Safety Agency's advisory committee on shipping hydrography, which comprises representatives of the shipping industry, the General Lighthouse Authorities, the port associations, and professional hydrographers from the Royal Navy. We will consider the need for any surveys or recharting off the coast of Wales if the marine accidents investigation branch investigation into the Sea Empress recommends that we should do so.