The Minches (Hansard, 14 November 1990)

§ Mr. McLoughlin

Her Majesty's Government took the lead in establishing the internationally recognised deep water route to the west of the outer Hebrides. This is clearly marked on charts, with a recommendation that laden tankers of over 10,000 gross registered tonnage should use it instead of the Minch when weather conditions permit.

It is important that tanker masters retain the freedom to use the Minch in poor weather. The outer route in the Atlantic is subject to much stronger winds and rougher seas than the sheltered waters of the Minch, and greater stresses are thus imposed on both vessels and crew. These stresses slightly increase the chances of an equipment 140W failure. More significantly, the weather conditions and the remoteness of the outer route mean that in the event of failure, the chances of preventing the vessel from going ashore are lessened. In poor weather, therefore, the chances of both loss of life and pollution may be greater if the vessels use the outer route than if they go through the Minch.

In these circumstances the Government's role must be to ensure maximum use of the outer route in appropriate conditions. An "area to be avoided" is recommendatory and the Government are not convinced that establishing one in the Minch would have any greater effect than the existing recommendatory deep water route. An alternative sometimes suggested is a mandatory traffic separation scheme in the Minch. The problem with this is that it might encourage tankers to take the route through the Minch. It would also inhibit fishing vessels, which would be obliged to comply with its provisions.

The Government consider that the best course is to continue to urge the use of the outer route in appropriate conditions, internationally through the International Maritime Organisation, nationally by contact with the oil companies and locally by means of notices to mariners issued at Sullom Voe.