§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to how much oil was spilt from the Flotta Piper pipeline on 26 and 27 November 1986 and as to the cause.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe quantity of oil spilt from the Piper-Claymore-Flotta pipelines on the 26 and 27 November 1986 was 20,000 barrels. (ca 2,660 tonnes).
Spillage was caused by a crack in a welded branch connection where the Claymore pipeline joins the Piper-Flotta pipeline. No oil reached shore and the slick was dispersed by the North sea.