§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's letter of 24 June (ref. FA00059) to Mr. G. S. Wright in respect of payment for a survey for seaworthiness made on 8 March, if he will refund the overpayment outstanding together with interest; and if he will make a statement on the factors underlying the delay in repayment. [90728]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 14 July 1999]: The Survey was carried out on 6, 7 and 20 April 1999 and was completed on 18 May 1999 on the production of Mr. Wright's Radio Certificate.
The refund was then issued on 29 June 1999 and cashed on 7 July. I can confirm that the delay was due to an administrative error whereby the survey cheque was posted to an incorrect account. Should a claim for interest be made in writing it will be calculated as per current legislation.