§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will take to protect sites of special scientific interest and other environmentally important areas from the effects of oil spillages.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 12 February 1993]In advance of any recommendations arising from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch investigation into the Shetland tanker incident or from the inquiry conducted by Lord Donaldson on the measures necessary to protect the United Kingdom coastline from pollution from merchant shipping, I draw the hon. Member's attention to the agreement reached by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport with tanker operators to avoid a number of sensitive areas.