§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by when she expects the seasonal weather to be appropriate to allow the return of the four ghost ships from Hartlepool to the United States. [158914]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 March 2004]: Clearly it is difficult to predict when the weather will be appropriate to allow for the possible return of the ships, but it is expected that the weather window could open in May. Before any such journey could be made, the vessels would need to be inspected, surveyed and appropriately certified for seaworthiness.