§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Minister of Transport whether, in the light of recent disasters, he is satisfied that the regulations in regard to the loading and unloading in British ports of supertankers carrying oil and other hazardous cargoes are adequate.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeLoading and unloading in British ports of tankers carrying petroleum products is controlled by byelaws made by the harbour authorities under section 7 of the Petroleum (Consolidation), Act 1928. Such byelaws, which are subject to confirmation by my right hon. Friend, are mostly based on a model code drawn up by the Department and revised from time to time, most recently in 1978. Apart from explosives, which are separately controlled, other hazardous substances are controlled under special powers, generally of a statutory nature, of the individual harbour authorities.
Our aim is to bring in, as soon as possible, comprehensive regulations, covering the handling of all hazardous substances, which would apply uniformly to all ports. I am advised that the Health and Safety Executive is now well advanced in the preparation of proposals for such regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Its proposals will certainly take into account the lessons learnt from recent disasters.