HC Deb 28 July 1988 vol 138 c486W
Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has received any preliminary reports on the blast at the Sullom Voe oil terminal on 1 July; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

My Department has no statutory responsibility for the operation of installations at the Sullom Voe oil terminal, except for agreeing the suitability of the metering equipment, and flaring and venting consents. My officials were informed of the blast on 4 July in the course of discussions of other matters with the operator of the terminal. Safety matters at the terminal are for the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to publish any reports received by him concerning the blast at Sullom Voe oil terminal on 1 July.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I have had no reports, except for a routine report by officials that the blast had occurred, and would affect progress on recommissioning of the Ninian fractionation train, which has been out of commission because of corrosion problems.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has received concerning the cause and extent of corrosion damage at Sullom Voe oil terminal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

My Department has been monitoring the course of repairs to corroded pipework at the terminal, in performance of its duties for assessing the requests that have arisen for increased gas flaring consents while the fractionation trains have been out of commission.

The operators have indicated that rain water penetrating defective lagging led to the corrosion. They hope to recommission the first fractionation train soon.