HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 cc320-1W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of costs arising from efforts to control oil pollution originating from the Sea Empress. [17074]

Mr. Norris

As at midday Friday 23 February, the known costs to the marine pollution control unit exceeded £2 million, excluding some significant costs where information is not yet available. We would seek to recover these costs from the ship's insurers or from the international oil pollution compensation fund. Estimates of costs incurred by others is not currently available.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what quantity of oil-dispersant chemicals have so far been used on oil slicks originating from the Sea Empress. [17077]

Mr. Norris

By midday Friday 23 February, 444 tonnes of dispersants had been used.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many crew were on the Sea Empress at the time it ran aground; and what was their nationality. [17076]

Mr. Norris

Twenty-seven Russian crew members and a local pilot were on board.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many oil-retaining sea booms have been used to control oil coming from the Sea Empress. [17078]

Mr. Norris

As at 10:00 on Monday 26 February, some 2,250 metres of boom were in place.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what tests were carried out on the captain of the Sea Empress following the ship running aground. [17125]

Mr. Norris

Drug and alcohol tests were carried out on all 27 crew of the Sea Empress. None were found to be positive.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration is being given to bringing criminal charges against(a) the owner and (b) the captain of the Sea Empress. [17126]

Mr. Norris

Whether it is appropriate to consider criminal proceedings against any party in respect of the Sea Empress will depend on the findings of the investigations that are being undertaken into the incident.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of sea birds affected by oil originating from the Sea Empress. [17075]

Mr. Norris

As at 10:00 on Monday 26 February, it was reported that 1,640 birds had been affected.