§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what inspections(a) have been carried out and (b) are planned into the sea-worthiness of the US Navy ships moored in Hartlepool to assess their safety for returning to the United States; and if he will place copies of the completed assessments in the Library. [143762]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 15 December 2003]: Inspections of the vessels are being undertaken to ensure that they do not pose any risk while remaining in Hartlepool.
To ensure that the vessels are in a suitable condition to cross the Atlantic, a survey would be necessary before Load line Exemption Certificates can be issued.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment the Government has made of the(a) safety and (b) speed with which the US Navy ships moored in Hartlepool could be returned to the US with the use of a heavy lift vessel; and if he will place a copy of such assessments in the Library. [143764]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 15 December 2003]: Initial risk assessments and routing plans have been produced for the return voyage of the vessels, under tow. No assessment has been produced for using a heavy lift vessel.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his Answer of 16 December 2003,Official Report, column 794W, on US Ships (decommissioning), by whom an application could be made. [145193]
§ Mr. JamiesonBy the owner of the vessels concerned.