To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the availability of sites for the disposal of expired maritime flares in England.

Up until 31 December 2022, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provided a voluntary and free service for disposing of expired flares from the pleasure vessel sector. Since January 2023, and following consultation and extensive engagement, the pleasure vessel sector has now taken over responsibility for that service and currently has 17 sites around the UK available for receiving and disposing of such flares. Work continues to increase that number to ensure a wider geographical spread across the UK.