§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given to the reports and recommendations of the several inquiries into the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska on 24 March 1989 with a view to ascertaining any lessons relevant to the protection of the marine and coastal environment around British waters; and whether Her Majesty's Government propose any practical measures or improvements to environmental control procedures in the light of such reports and recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe US national transportation safety board marine accident report on the Exxon Valdez oil pollution disaster has made a number of recommendations. Many deal with local conditions and operations, but others, in particular those covering double bottoms and oil spill response, are actively being considered by the International Maritime Organisation: fatigue, manning, drug and alcohol abuse were issues already under consideration at IMO. The Department is participating and contributing to these international activities and will support such measures and improvements to international regulations which are seen to be beneficial and practicable.
On the domestic front, contingency arrangements to deal with pollution at sea in United Kingdom waters are kept under constant review by the Department's marine pollution control unit.
A thorough examination covering United Kingdom counter pollution responsibilities, communications and resources was carried out following the Exxon Valdez incident. The result, as I announced in the House on 6 March last year, is that the capability of the MPCU to deal with major oil spills has been increased by doubling its contracted dispersant spraying capacity by the use of larger aircraft. The MPCU's ability to detect oil slicks at sea has also been doubled by increasing to two its complement of remote sensing aircraft, which are used to control and direct counter pollution operations. Additionally, this enhanced remote sensing capability has
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£'000 Actual cash costs 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 Total Her Majesty's Coastguard costs 21,762 23,990 25,853 28,584 29,630 Auxiliary Coastguard pay, allowances and equipment 1,956 2,069 12,732 2,078 2,007 Auxiliary accommodation costs 2— 2— 2— 407 388 Assuming constant 1986–87 prices Inflation factor (per cent.) 100 105.45 113.14 120.36 129.98 Equivalent total Her Majesty's Coastguard costs 21,762 22,750 22,850 23,748 22,795 1 Costs include two years spend on vehicles and boats. 2 Not available. been used to increase by 60 per cent. regular aerial surveillance patrols of United Kingdom waters to deter and detect ships making illegal operational discharges of oil.