HC Deb 21 October 2003 vol 411 cc481-2W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the planned route within UK waters is of the ships from the US Reserve Fleet intended for dismantling on Teesside which have set sail from the US; what control he has over this route; and if he will make a statement. [133362]

Mr. McNulty

The routing for the first four ships within the contract will be through the English Channel, observing mandatory IMO traffic separation schemes, and up the east coast of the UK. Generally, international rights of freedom of navigation apply, although upon entry into UK waters the tows could be directed by the Secretary of State's Representative to change routing or to leave UK waters if he believed it necessary for safety reasons or to prevent pollution or to conduct salvage operations.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent guidance he has issued to the Marine Coastguard Agency in respect of the proposal to bring ships from the US Reserve Fleet to Teesside for disposal; what policy the Marine Coastguard Agency has adopted on this matter; what discussions the Marine Coastguard Agency has had with the US Marine Administration; and if he will make a statement. [133363]

Mr. McNulty

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) must be satisfied that the ships can make the passage without undue risk to the marine environment or safety. The MCA has had a number of meetings with both the US Coast Guard and the US Maritime Administration. MCA marine surveyors have accompanied Coast Guard surveyors during inspections of the ships. The US authorities refused to allow the vessels to sail until the MCA confirmed it was satisfied with all arrangements. The MCA did so only when it had completed a detailed scrutiny of all aspects of the company's proposals in relation to towing the first four ships within the contract; the remaining ships have yet to be considered or approved.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the EU Environment Commissioner in respect of the proposal to bring ships from the US Reserve Fleet to Teesside for disposal; and if he will make a statement. [133366]

Mr. McNulty

None.