GHOST SHIP DOCKING A DISGRACE - BAKER

Responding to reports that the first of two American ghost ships will arrive in Hartlepool today Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat's Environment Spokesman, Said:

"It is a disgrace that the Government has allowed these ships, which are a potential environmental hazard, into British waters. The Liberal Democrats are the only party to consistently oppose their docking here.

"The Department of Transport should have forbid their entry to British waters as the Portuguese authorities did.

"We now need a clear statement from the Government on who is responsible for any costs and environmental damage caused by these ships while they are docked at Hartlepool.

"Mrs Beckett must confirm that these ships will be sent back to the US. Their docking must not become a back door for their dismantlement in the UK."