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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in the context of the Joint agency investigation into Teesside and Yorkshire Coast Crab and Lobster mortalities published on 31 May 2022, (a) what recent discussions his Department has had with PD Ports Teesport and (b) if he will publish all ministerial correspondence with that company on its dredging activities.

In accordance with guidelines, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) engaged with PD Ports Teesport to ensure all dredged material was suitable for disposal at sea prior to being licenced. Additional checks were conducted by MMO during the investigation to review dredging activity and ensure all disposals at sea were conducted in line with the licences issued and relevant conditions within these.

There was no Ministerial correspondence with PD Ports Teesport.