§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what 784W has been the number and size of spillages of dangerous inflammable liquids on Manchester Ship Canal over the past five years; what penalties have been imposed, and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions he has had with the producers of dangerous inflammable liquids in the area of the Manchester Ship Canal, in view of the substantial number of people living in the urban areas alongside the canal; if he will take stronger powers to relieve the anxiety of people living in this area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertThere have been four significant spillages in the last five years. Fines were imposed in two cases.
After an earlier incident in 1970 a number of improved safety precautions were introduced after discussions with the bodies concerned. Existing powers to control the conveyance and handling of dangerous substances on the canal appear to be adequate. The Health and Safety Commission is, however, studying proposals for new regulations to be made under the powers in the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 on the conveyance and handling of dangerous substances generally.
The safety of pipelines and the storage of inflammable liquids in areas adjacent to the canal are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Energy and Employment respectively.