§ Mr. PondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what amount of the cost of repairing the damage to the Thames barrier following the incident involving the Sand Kite was met from public funds. [56737]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAt present all costs have been met from Environment Agency funds as a settlement has yet to be reached with the Sand Kite's owners. The claim may be subject to a limitation of liability under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. Legal opinion is currently being sought over whether other options for reclaiming costs exist and negotiations are continuing in order to obtain a satisfactory outcome.