§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) whether, as a consequence of the tanker "Energy Concentration" breaking in two in the port of Rotterdam, he will approach the Netherlands Government about possible joint initiatives by the British and Netherlands Governments within the EEC and the International Maritime Consultative Organisation, respectively, to improve further the international rules and regulations about tanker safety;
(2) whether, following the publication of the report of the Republic of Ireland tribunal of inquiry into the "Betelgeuse" tanker fire at Bantry Bay, he will approach the Government of the Republic of Ireland about possible joint initiatives by the British and Irish Governments within the EEC and the International Maritime Consultative Organisation, respectively, to improve further the international rules and regulations about tanker safety;
(3) whether, in the light of recent major accidents to large oil tankers in different parts of the world, he is satisfied that the International Maritime Consultative Organisation rules and regulations about tanker safety are sufficiently comprehensive and are being enforced; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitMy officials are studying the report of the tribunal into the "Betelgeuse" disaster at Bantry Bay: several of the report's recommendations are already included in United Kingdom regulations or IMOCO protocols. In the light of our study of the report and any report which may emerge on the incident in Rotterdam involving the "Energy Concentration", I will consider what further action might be appropriate.
4WWe are, however, already working both nationally and internationally with IMCO and with other European Governments both inside and outside the Community to improve international standards of tanker safety, and this will be discussed at the European ministerial meeting on marine safety and pollution prevention to be held in Paris later this year.