§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What further developments have taken place on tanker routing following the consultations on the United Kingdom proposals submitted to the IMO.
The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)Following consultations with representatives of the Shetland and Orkney local authorities, local and national fishing interests, United Kingdom shipping interests, international tanker operators and others we have submitted amended proposals to the IMO calling for an extended area to be avoided around the Shetland Islands, new areas to be avoided around the Fair Isle and Orkneys and recommended routes in the Fair Isle Channel. In combination these measures should provide a standard of protection broadly equivalent to our original proposals while respecting the traditional rights of fishermen in that area. Proposals are also being submitted in respect of restrictions on laden tanker movements in the Pentland Firth and Isles of Scilly. We are placing copies of our amended proposals in the Library of the House.