Written question asked by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 November 2003. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects the negotiations between the Port of Tyne Authority and his Department concerning the dredging of the river to reach a conclusion.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the negotiations between the Port of Tyne Authority and his Department concerning the dredging of the river to reach a conclusion. [136029] Dr. Howells: Negotiations concerning the dredging of the River Tyne are primarily for the Port of Tyne Authority and DEFRA in connection with the Port Authority's application for a licence, submitted to DEFRA in February 2003, for the dredging and sea disposal of contaminated sediment from various locations on the river. Discussions between the Port Authority and the Department for Transport about this matter will continue until such time as a satisfactory conclusion is reached. I am aware that further information is being sought from the Port of Tyne Authority as part of their on-going discussions with DEFRA and that a final decision cannot be reached until such time as all the facts are to hand. It is not possible at this stage to say when this might be but the need to move to an early resolution is fully recognised.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 136029; 412 c637-8W;412 c643-4W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Licensing Environment protection Ports Waste disposal Rivers Dredging Port of Tyne Authority River Tyne
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk