§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on what date and time the salvage tug contracted to the Coastguard agency in Stornoway was offered to the salvors of the Sea Empress; what was their response; and when it was made; [18121]
(2) what part of the marine pollution control unit played in the decision to introduce compressed air into the cargo holds of the Sea Empress prior to its refloating on Wednesday 21 February; [18119]
(3) what estimate he had made of the cargo on board the Sea Empress (a) prior to the grounding on Thursday 15 February, (b) prior to the grounding on the evening of Monday 19 February, (c) at 0900 Tuesday 20 February, (d) at 0900 Wednesday 21 February and (e) immediately prior to the refloating on the night of Wednesday 21 February; [18118]
639W(4) what offers were made by French sources to assist in the Sea Empress incident; when they were made; and of what nature they were. [18120]
§ Mr. NorrisThese matters will be covered by the inquiry being carried out by the marine accident investigation branch, which includes the planning and execution of the salvage operation. I do not wish to prejudge the inquiry's findings.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the names and positions of officials from his Department, the Coastguard agency and the marine pollution control Unit who were present in the operation control room of the Milford Haven coastguard marine rescue centre between 1600 and 1730 hours on Saturday 17 February; [18125]
(2) what are the names and positions of the officials in (a) his Department, (b) the marine pollution control unit and (c) the Coastguard Agency who were present in the operation control room at the Milford Haven coastguard marine rescue centre on the morning of Friday 16 February; [18123]
(3) what was the name of the marine pollution control unit official on the bridge of the Sea Empress between 1600 and 1730 on Saturday 17 February; and what was his position within the MPCU. [18122]
(4) if he will list the individuals from his Department, the Coastguard agency and the marine pollution control unit who travelled to Milford Haven as a result of the Sea Empress incident. [18124]
§ Mr. NorrisIt is the Government's policy not to publish the names of officials engaged in particular tasks unless there are exceptional reasons for doing so. The MAIB investigation will examine all the issues of the salvage operation.