HL Deb 14 February 2000 vol 609 c125WA
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Dourer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Given that on inspection the tanker Erika was rejected as unfit for carrying oil safely at sea by two major oil companies, Shell and BP Amoco, but was considered fit for charter by Total Fina, what steps they will take to set tougher standards for the shipment of oil in European Community waters. [HL917]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The Government, with the International Maritime Organisation and other EU member states, are considering what additional measures might help prevent a repetition of the "Erika" incident. If we find that additional regulations are necessary, we will pursue them actively through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN specialist agency responsible for the promotion of maritime safety and the prevention of marine pollution, and the European Union as appropriate.