HC Deb 18 December 2003 vol 415 cc1017-8W
Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the polychlorinated biphenyls in the US ships intended for decommissioning by Able UK have been analysed to determine whether the waste meets the necessary standards for(a) incineration and (b) landfill. [143442]

Mr. Morley

Not yet. Dismantling work on the ships is currently prevented while matters concerning their future are addressed.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to prevent further US vessels crossing the Atlantic for dismantling in Hartlepool. [143663]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 11 December 2003]: The remaining nine vessels in the contract, will remain in the US pending the resolution of US legal action which prevents them leaving the US before April 2004.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether planning permission for the construction of the dry dock at Able UK was within its period of validity when the American ghost ships were given permission to come to the UK. [143808]

Mr. Morley

Whether a grant of planning permission is effective for the development concerned is a matter in the first place for the relevant local planning authority and ultimately the courts.