§ Mr. Buchananasked the Minister of Transport, in view of the depth of draught required by the type of oil tanker now being constructed and the danger of navigation in waters around Great Britain for vessels with a draught of 72 feet, what plans she has for the accommodation of such vessels; and if she will seek to site an oil transhipment depot on the west coast of Scotland.
§ Mrs. CastleResponsibility for initiating port development projects for large tankers rests in the first place with the oil companies and port authorities concerned. I understand that one company has plans for using vessels with a draught 267W of 72 feet, but I have not been asked to authorise any projects to accommodate this size of vessel. I have authorised developments at Finnart and Milford Haven which will enable those places to accept tankers of 200,000 dwt., the largest vessels for which provision has been sought so far.
I will certainly consider any further proposals which may be put forward.