Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 31 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 April 2008. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Douglas Gowan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for what reasons Mr. Douglas Gowan's original (a) witness statements and (b) evidentiary materials submitted to the Environment Agency were destroyed; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I am informed by the Environment Agency Wales that the Environment Agency has not destroyed any original documents or evidentiary materials belonging to Mr. Douglas Gowan. Where original documents and evidentiary materials had been received by the Environment Agency from Mr. Gowan, they have been returned to him.On 2 November 2007, Mr. Gowan requested that all copies of those originals be 'shredded'. The Environment Agency has complied with that request.

Secondary information