HC Deb 21 July 1999 vol 335 cc515-6W
Mr. Hilary Benn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require the owners and operators of fuel storage tanks(a) to ensure that drain cocks on such tanks are fitted with a lockable device to prevent accidental spillage and (b) to ensure that operating procedures are in place to ensure that such devices are used. [91777]

Mr. Meale

The Environment Agency's Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG2) on above ground oil storage tanks recommends that all tanks should have valves or cocks with lockable or removable hand wheels to prevent accidental spillage. The Guidelines (PPG11) also state that a routine programme of inspection and maintenance should be established.

The Government are considering whether further measures to prevent water pollution from industrial, commercial and institutional (residential and non-residential) oil storage installations are needed. We expect to make an announcement shortly.