§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What permission is required, and from whom, for the long-term storage of dangerous of hazardous materials in ships in British waters, what rules apply to such storage and whether the shipowner's liability is limited in relation to damage to life and limb or to third parties, including environmental damage, and, if so, how.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraIf the ship were permanently moored (as distinct from anchored) within United Kingdom waters it could require the consent of my right honourable friend under Section 34 of the Coast Protection Act 1949, and it would require the approval of the owners of the seabed (usually the Crown Estate Commissioners). If the ship 1305WA were in normal service the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1981 would apply to it while it was in United Kingdom waters. But if it were not in normal service the regulations might not apply in some circumstances.
The amount of the shipowner's liability would be limited under Section 503 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 as amended by the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners) Act 1958.