Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Natural England has made a Habitat Regulation Assessment prior to the dredging of the Port of Ramsgate.

In 2010/2011, Natural England (NE) worked with Ramsgate Harbour on environmental assessment and monitoring of their water injection dredging activities, including a Habitats Regulations Assessment of the activity undertaken at that time. After noting reports that dredging was taking place in order to prepare the port for expansion via water injection, NE have contacted the port directly to clarify what dredging is being undertaken, including volumes and locations. NE have also been in touch with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to clarify under which powers the port are undertaking this activity and whether an MMO licence would be required.