§ Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the safety measures taken at the Shell oil terminal off Anglesey and the composition of the terminal committee.
§ Mr. John Grant,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 4th December 1978 ; Vol. 959, c. 397], gave the following information:
Yes, I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Anglesey Marine Terminal Authority commissioned an independent survey into the cause of the oil spillage which occurred on 10th October 1978 whilst the Shell tanker "Litiopa" was discharging at the terminal.
The survey report states that the spillage was caused by the rupture of a floating hose from the single point mooring. Safety measures recommended by the report include the inspection, testing and replacement of hoses at specified intervals. The terminal authority intends 117W to implement the safety measures recommended in the survey report and the Health and Safety Executive agrees that these measures should help to reduce the risk of a similar occurrence in the future.
Although the incident was not reported to the Health and Safety Executive, nor investigated by the Factory Inspectorate, I understand that the incident did not represent a danger to shore-based workers or to members of the public.
As regards the composition of the terminal committee, which has accepted the recommendations contained in the independent, survey report, the total of 15 seats are allocated as follows:
- Isle of Anglesey borough council—8 seats.
- Amlwch town council—3 seats.
- Liverpool pilotage authority—1 seat.
- Shell UK oil company—3 seats.