Sir Bernard Braiseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take on outstanding planning cases in respect of oil refineries in and around Canvey Island, in the light of the recent Health and Safety Executive Report on the hazards to residential populations.
§ Mr. ShoreThere are two cases before me. In one case, the company concerned is Occidental Limited which had appealed against refusal of planning permission by Castle Point district council. I am informed that the company does not now wish to proceed with its appeal, and that it is being withdrawn.
The other case relates to proposed development by United Refineries Ltd., on which, as the hon. Member will recall, an exploratory inquiry was held in 1975 into the desirability of revocation. In that case I think it would be right to re-open 471W the exploratory inquiry to enable all relevant matters arising from the Health and Safety Executive report to be taken into consideration. I propose to have discussions with the company and the local authority concerned about arrangements for reopening this inquiry and the inquiry into the company's appeal with regard to approval of reserved matters.
There is an outstanding application by Mobil UK Ltd. for approval of certain reserved matters which are at present before Thurrock district council. I understand that the council will take a decision shortly in the light of the report and of subsequent advice from the Health and Safety Executive.