Tanker Routes (Hansard, 10 February 1993)

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that tankers and owners use a shipping route west of St. Kilda.

§ Mr. Norris
Tanker routeing around the United Kingdom coast, including St. Kilda, will be considered by Lord Donaldson in his inquiry. Pending the outcome of that inquiry, a voluntary code is being developed which will place restrictions on tankers navigating through sensitive areas.

§ Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has submitted proposals for the attention of the EC Council of Transport and Environmental Ministers in respect of tanker exclusion zones on environmental and safety grounds; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Norris
As my noble friend the Minister for Shipping announced on 4 February, agreement in principle has been reached with organisations representing oil companies, tanker operators and shipping interests on voluntary measures in the form of a code to be promulgated by mid-March, which it is intended will include restrictions on tankers operating in sensitive areas. The code will be transmitted by the Government to the International Maritime Organisation for consideration and endorsement by the maritime safety committee in May with a view to publication internationally as an addition to the "Ship Routeing" document issued by the IMO. I will draw these developments to the attention of the European Commission.

§ Mr. Wilson
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what was the outcome of the EC Council of Transport and Environment Ministers on 25 January concerning tanker exclusion zones; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what timetables have been agreed by (a) the EC Council of Ministers and (b) the United Nations International Maritime Organisation for the consideration of submissions for tanker exclusion zones; and what is the relationship between the two timetables.

§ Mr. Norris
The EC Council of Transport and Environment Ministers urged the Commission to bring forward its communication on maritime safety so that a first discussion of it can take place at the March meeting of the Transport Council. Among other matters to be examined in the communication is identification of areas of ecological interest for which restrictions, such as routeing measures or areas to be avoided, might be appropriate. No timetable has been agreed either in the EC or in the IMO for consideration of any proposals that may emerge.

Mr. John D. Taylor
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which sensitive areas around the coast of Northern Ireland are included in the areas to be avoided by tankers; and which fishermen's organisations were consulted in preparation of the voluntary agreement between his Department and the oil companies.
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§ Mr. Norris
It is too early to anticipate the detailed provisions of the voluntary agreement, including the designated sensitive areas, that is being developed by industry. The following fishermen's organisations attended the meeting on 4 February that led to the concept of the codeNational Federation of Fishermen's Organisations. Scottish Fishermen's Federation.