HC Deb 12 March 2004 vol 418 cc1769-70W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) of 29 January 2004,Official Report, column 494W, on US vessels, what discussions took place with (a) the US authorities and (b) the US Marine Administration before the departure of the vessels; what requests were made; what replies to these requests were received; and if she will make a statement. [153328]

Mr. Morley

The Environment Agency had a number of discussions with the US Marine Administration (MARAD) and the US Environmental Protection Agency prior to the departure of the vessels regarding the export of the vessels to the U K.

The Agency encouraged contact between MARAD and Hartlepool borough council in late September regarding the matter of planning permission for the Graythorp facility. At about the same time, the Agency spoke to the United States' Environmental Protection Agency about this matter. In October and prior to the departure of the vessels the Environment Agency, on several occasions in telephone calls and emails, advised MARAD to keep the vessels in the US until they were satisfied that all necessary arrangements were in place. No formal response was received.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency had discussions with both MARAD and the US Coastguard regarding the safety of the vessels. their planned route and their towing arrangements.