§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information was received by the Coastguard Agency in respect of the arrangements for the towing of the Brent Spar. [29246]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Coastguard Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from C. J. Harris to Ms Joan Walley, dated 20 June 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question as the question deals with an operational matter, for which I have responsibility as Chief Executive.On 6 June 1995 the Regional Controller of HM Coastguard's North and East Scotland Region met with the installation operators, Shell, and Grampian Police to discuss the towage of the Brent Spar. At this meeting he explained that HM Coastguard's responsibility was to monitor the sea safety of all concerned in the operation, and to coordinate any search and rescue action that might be required.Aberdeen Coastguard received a fax from the towage contractors on 6 June in accordance with the normal procedures for moving offshore installations, giving notice that the tow was due to proceed on 8 June. A second fax was received on 12 June giving notification that the tow had commenced.