§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether, in the light of the doubts expressed by the Health and Safety Executive as to the scale on which liquefied gases are transhipped and stored at Canvey Island, he will open discussions with the British Gas Corporation about early removal of their operations to a site more remote from residential population.
§ Mr. BennIt would be premature to consider such action, pending the outcome of the Health and Safety Executive's discussions with the British Gas Corporation on the reduction and assessment of the risk.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in the light of the serious doubts expressed by the Health and Safety Executive on page 29 of its report on the risks to the people living on or near Canvey from the excessive concentration of liquefied gas at the methane terminal, he will inquire into the 49W intention of the British Gas Corporation regarding the further importation of liquefied natural gas from Algeria.
§ Mr. BennSince the Question concerns the corporation's intentions, I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.