HC Deb 12 July 1978 vol 953 cc1486-7
5. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the involvement of his Department in protecting the coastal and offshore environment.

Mr. Shore

I have responsibilities in the fields of amenity, conservation, coast protection, oil and chemicals on beaches and discharges to coastal waters; local authorities, other Government Departments and other bodies such as water authorities also have important functions to fulfil.

Mr. Adley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people who live on and around our coastline feel that it would be more appropriate if a Department with the title of his Department were not only to have more responsibility but perhaps the overriding responsibility for the increasing pressures on the coastline, particularly as the result of the activities of oil companies? The Minister has read out a long list of other Departments. Is he aware that the fact that there are so many other Departments involved means that anti-social activities, which may be in the minds of companies such as oil companies, can be carried out regardless of the public interest and one Department can be picked off against another? Will he, therefore, consider raising the overall question with the Prime Minister, so that we can get something done about it?

Mr. Shore

The hon. Gentleman has phrased the point in very general terms, and it is a little difficult for me to comment upon it. He must realise—as I think the House accepts—that there has to be a broad division of responsibility between that for oil which is released at sea, where, of course, the Department of Trade is in the lead, and that for those occasions when oil discharged at sea comes ashore. In this case we are very much in the lead, and we have considerable responsibilities, which we exercise in close consultation with the local authorities.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Minister take the opportunity of paying tribute to the excellent work in coast protection done under the Coast Protection Act, which was introduced in this House many years ago by a Labour Government—it was introduced by me—to safeguard much of the coastline of this country?

Mr. Shore

I believe that the protection of our coastline is a major function and responsibility, and I willingly acknowledge the very important contribution that my hon. Friend has made.

Sir Bernard Braine

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that it is his responsibility, and his alone, to co-ordinate all matters relating to environmental safety? I have particularly in mind 33,000 people living on Canvey Island and the possible interaction between an excessive concentration of oil, gas and chemical storage on the one hand, and dangerous and hazardous cargoes in the estuary, on the other? Has the right hon. Gentleman yet grasped the fact that the Health and Safety Executive has just completed a report which proves beyond doubt that Canvey is the most endangered community in the country and yet arrives at the lunatic conclusion that there may be further oil refinery development? Will he arrange to make a statement on this subject before the House rises?

Mr. Shore

I am not at all sure that I accept what the hon. Gentleman said, although I understand his legitimate concern for the people of Canvey Island. This report is a very thorough one and it is very valuable. The hon. Gentleman knows very well that there are a number of planning inquiries pending in which consideration of this report will, I have no doubt, be a very relevant factor.

Sir B. Braine

But will the Minister make a statement?