§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, having regard to his overall responsibility for the environment and the issue of whether the number of high-fire risk installations on Canvey Island should be increased, he will indicate whether his Department was consulted about the use of facilities at the Canvey Methane Terminal for testing the world's largest liquid national gas tankers, such as the "Paul Kayser" and the "Hille".
§ Mr. John SilkinMy Department were not consulted about these tests. I cannot usefully add anything to the350W answer given on 4th February by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade—to the hon. Member for Hackney, Central (Mr. Davis).—[Vol. 904, c. 667–8.]
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will initiate discussions with all the relevant authorities about the movement of large liquid national gas tankers, and other very large vessels carrying hazardous cargoes, into the Thames Estuary and in particular to Canvey Island.
§ Dr. GilbertThis matter falls within the responsibility of the Port of London Authority, which has made byelaws and general directions regulating the movement of such ships. The Authority is currently discussing with the shipowners concerned whether any further measures are required to supplement the extensive safety precautions now in force.