HL Deb 30 March 1982 vol 428 cc1378-9WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the terms of reference of the working party of officials set up to review existing arrangements with regard to the mooring of liquefied natural gas and other tankers in British internal and territorial waters, and specifically whether the working party will be reviewing compensation, and shipowners' liability, for:

  1. (a) environmental damage;
  2. (b) the insurance available to shipowners through their P and I Clubs against fines.

The Earl of Avon

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport has asked the working party to review quickly the arrangements for dealing with proposals to moor vessels for storage of liquefied petroleum gas and other materials in coastal waters. I do not consider that the working party is the appropriate forum for the general questions of compensation and liability raised by the noble Lord.