§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require all large ports in the United Kingdom to provide reception facilities for residues and mixtures of oily and noxious wastes from vessels visiting the United Kingdom's shores; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerLegislation was introduced in July 1984 which required port authorities and terminal operators to provide reception facilities for oily waste and, from 6 April 1987, such facilities for residues and mixtures of noxious liquid substances.
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§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list ports where in accordance with the United Kingdom's obligations under annex II of the Marpol convention 73/78 reception facilities are available to accept residues containing noxious liquid substances from vessels visiting British shores.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe United Kingdom has no obligations under annex II of Marpol 73/78 with respect to reception facilities for residues containing noxious liquid substances until 6 April 1987. A list of ports where these are provided will be available after that date.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information Her Majesty's Government provides to mariners of a detailed and periodically updated nature on the location of and possibilities for utilising reception facilities in United Kingdom ports which receive oily residues and mixtures of noxious materials from vessels visiting United Kingdom shores.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe United Kingdom advises the International Maritime Organisation annually on the availability and use of reception facilities for oily residues in United Kingdom ports. The Department is in the process of advising port authorities that shipping agents and ship operators using ports should be provided with certain detailed information so that mariners are fully informed of the provisions for oily residues. It is envisaged that similar arrangements will be made with respect to reception facilities for residues containing noxious liquid substances when annex II of Marpol is implemented.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport if there is a standard charge for the use of reception facilities in United Kingdom ports which receive oily residues and mixtures of noxious materials from vessels visiting United Kingdom shores; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWhilst a United Kingdom port may make reasonable charges for the use of reception facilities in accordance with current legislation, a standard charge does not exist.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number, locations and types of reception facilities available in the United Kingdom to accept oily residues and mixtures of noxious materials from vessels visiting United Kingdom shores.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerDepartment of Transport records show that approximately 80 reception facilities are available for oily wastes throughout United Kingdom ports and terminals.
There is at present no legal requirement for United Kingdom ports to provide reception facilities for noxious liquid wastes arising from ships, therefore no information is available as to established facilities. Such facilities will, however, be required in certain ports for wastes from a limited number of noxious liquid substances carried in bulk by ships after implementation of Marpol, annex II, on 6 April 1987.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps Her Majesty's Government has taken to ensure that the best available technology is employed in reception facilities in United Kingdom ports which receive oily residues and mixtures of noxious materials from vessels visiting United Kingdom shores.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveI have been asked to reply.
The transfer of ship residues from vessels to reception facilities is covered by the Prevention of Pollution (Reception Facilities) Order 1984. The handling, transfer and storage of the residues in the harbour area will be subject to the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1986 and elsewhere to the provisions of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Advice on the best practicable means of dealing with waste is available from the regulatory authorities. The actual technology employed is a matter for the owner or operator of the reception facilities provided these comply with the relevant regulations.