§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the purpose was of the meeting held on 7 January, involving the Environment Minister, at which ghost ships were discussed; who requested the meeting; what factors were taken into account before the Minister agreed to meet representatives of Able UK Ltd.; what the outcome of the meeting was; and if she will make a statement. [148616]
§ Mr Morley[holding answer 19 January 2004]: I met the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Mandelson), at his request, with the Mayor and Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council and the Chief Executive of Able UK. The meeting agreed that the issue of the US Ships in Hartlepool is a matter for the regulatory bodies—in particular, the Environment Agency and the local planning authority. The meeting enabled the participants to understand the respective responsibilities of the bodies involved, and to help ensure that all the necessary procedures are followed.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Environment Minister will agree to meet a delegation representing groups and individuals opposed to the proposed dismantling of US ghost ships in Hartlepool. [148617]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 19 January 2004]: I am always happy to consider requests to meet local delegations from the relevant Member of Parliament. I recently met my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), along with Mayor of Hartlepool and others, to discuss the US ships.