§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister for Trade if he will assess the implications of proposals to make the Solent a permanent mooring place for redundant oil rigs and surplus oil tankers; and if he will list his powers of control in such cases.
§ Mr. SproatI have powers under section 34 of the Coast Protection Act 1949 that may be used if the safety of navigation is at risk as a result of works—which include permanent moorings— in tidal waters. I have also a wide range of powers under the Merchant Shipping Acts relating to the safety of vessels and to pollution, which might bear on proposals of the sort that the hon. Member has in mind. I have noted the concern expressed by the Solent Protection Society about the possibility of such moorings and I will certainly assess the implications of any proposals if they are brought forward. But none has yet been put to me.