HC Deb 24 January 1979 vol 961 cc185-6W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take action to prevent oil tankers not equipped with adequate safety equipment on the lines of the inert gas system, from discharging their cargoes at terminals adjacent to built-up areas, namely, Canvey Island and Milford Haven; if necessary whether he will consider taking unilateral action on this matter; and if he will draw up and enforce up-to-date safety regulations for oil tankers and terminals.

Mr. William Rodgers

I have been asked to reply and shall do so shortly.

in order to explain to the public the dangers and inconvenience it faced during cold weather; and if he will raise the safety level again as soon as possible.

Dr. John Cunningham

Petroleum fuels marketed in the United Kingdom are sold as complying with an appropriate specification, such as those issued by the British Standards Institution.

An amendment—No. 3—to the British Standards specification for petroleum fuels for oil Engines and burners—BS2869/70—was published on 31 March 1977. In this amendment, the test method for determining the low temperature flow characteristics of gas oils was changed from the cloud point method to that of the cold filter plugging point—CFPP. The new method was considered to provide a more realistic requirement in relation to use and it became effective as from 1 October 1977. There has been no subsequent change to the temperature limitations specified in the March 1977 publication, which are given below.

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