§ 2.37 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if the proposal to permit the erection of another oil-refining plant at the entrance of Southampton Water on the opposite bank to that of Fawley is to be proceeded with.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, I understand that no application for planning permission for the scheme to which the noble Lord refers in his Question has yet been made.
LORD TEYNHAMMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for his reply, I should like to assure him and Her Majesty's Government that shipping interests will be pleased at it, because at the present time there is considerable congestion, owing to the number of tankers lying in Southampton Water awaiting berths at Fawley. I hope that before any such scheme is approved a public inquiry will be held.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I am aware of the fact that this matter has raised some local controversy in the Southampton area. I can assure the noble Lord that, before a decision of this importance is finally taken, a public inquiry is almost bound to be held.