HC Deb 05 December 1967 vol 755 cc280-1W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the duties of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives in relation to the enforcement of the Petroleum Regulation Acts; and if he is satisfied that these duties are being carried out adequately at the present time.

Mr. Ennals

Inspectors of Explosives have power to make such examination and inquiries as are necessary to ascertain whether the provisions of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 and of regulations made under it are being complied with. Day-to-day enforcement of the law relating to the storage and conveyance of petroleum spirit rests with the licensing authorities, but the inspectors make their own checks from time to time and give advice as necessary. I have no reason to doubt the adequacy of these arrangements.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the extra work which will devolve on Her Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives as a result of the new and large petroleum installations being erected in Great Britain; and if he he is satisfied that the staff of the Inspectorate is adequate for this purpose.

Mr. Ennals

The duty of licensing such installations under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 rests with the licensing authority concerned and not with the Inspectors of Explosives. Licensing authorities seek the advice of the Inspectors from time to time on problems associated with licensing, but the amount of work arising on this account cannot be predicted. During the last twelve months advice has been given on at least five large petroleum spirit installations at the request of local authorities: this work has been undertaken within the resources of the present complement.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what increase he estimates will take place in the transport of inflammable and dangerous liquids as a result of a growth in the number of petroleum installations; and whether the staff of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives is adequate to guard against dangers to the public.

Mr. Ennals

I have no information on which to base such an estimate. The conveyance by road of petroleum spirit is already subject to the detailed provisions of the Petroleum-Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957, and regulations to control the conveyance by road of more than 200 other inflammable liquids will shortly be made. Enforcement of the regulations, in the interests of the safety of the public, is primarily the responsibility of the licensnig authorities.