§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) pursuant to his reply of 3 November, Official Report, c. 409, to the hon. Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes, when he expects to have completed his consideration of the report prepared for his Department regarding the oil spillage at Immingham on 27 September; and if he will make public his conclusions;
(2) if the report which he received from the inspector relating to the oil spillage at Immingham on 27 September concluded who was responsible for any human errors which may have occurred.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt has never been the practice to publish the preliminary report on a marine accident. These are prepared solely for internal consideration by the Department. Such reports are used to decide on further action which could be a formal investigation that would be public.
When I have reached my conclusions in this case I shall take any necessary action arising from the incident. In addition, I shall make available a report of the counter-pollution measures taken following the accident.