§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to review safety procedures and pollution control regarding movements of oil tankers. [41459]
§ Mr. NorrisThis is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 7 November 1995:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about oil tanker movements.A number of internationally-agreed routeing measures are in place around the United Kingdom (UK) to enhance safe navigation and protect the marine environment. Measures include Areas to be Avoided, Precautionary Areas, Recommended Routes, Traffic Separation Schemes and a Deep-Water Route west of the Hebrides, specifically for large tankers.This Agency reviews the effectiveness of the routeing measures around the UK and takes rigorous action to follow up reported infringements. In particular, the Agency considers carefully any recommendations on routeing matters made by the Department of Transport's Marine Accident Investigation Branch as a result of its investigations into collisions and groundings.Recent amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention will allow for the introduction of compulsory ship-reporting systems from 1 January 1996 and compulsory ship-routeing systems from 1 January 1997, subject to their acceptance at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The UK is at the forefront of efforts to develop a workable system of automatic ship-identification transponders and is pressing at the IMO for the early introduction of this equipment on oil tankers. Transponders will increase the ability of coastal states to monitor the movement of shipping.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new plans he has to tighten regulations regarding movements of bulk oil tankers. [41490]
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§ Mr. NorrisI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him today.