asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to publish their response to the European Union's maritime Green Paper.[HL8028]

The Government intend to respond formally to the European Union’s maritime Green Paper once a wide-ranging consultation exercise has been completed. The Government held a conference for UK stakeholders in October that will be followed by a full written consultation exercise in November 2006. The Government will then produce a response for publication in spring 2007, in good time for the European Commission’s deadline for consultation replies (30 June 2007).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultations they are undertaking with interested parties and groups on their responseto the European Union's maritime Green Paper.[HL8029]

The Government intend to consult as widely as possible in preparing the formal UK response to the EU maritime Green Paper. A conference for UK stakeholders from across the maritime sector was held in October and will be followed by a full written consultation exercise in November 2006. In addition, Ministers and officials have been invited to participate in a number of meetings and events organised by different groups and organisations to address various aspects of the Green Paper during the year-long consultation process.