§ Mr. DafisTo ask the secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that local organisations are able to reclaim from the polluter the cost of clean-up, after-care, research and monitoring; and if he will make a statement. [17660]
§ Mr. NorrisCompensation for cost incurred and economic loss suffered as a result of the oil pollution damage from the Sea Empress, including the costs of reasonable measures taken to prevent or minimise the damage, will be available from the shipowner's insurer and from the international oil pollution compensation fund, which is funded by levies on the oil industry. Temporary arrangements have been put in place to meet claims involving hardship.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the number of sea birds affected by oil originating from the Sea Empress. [18092]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard agency to write to the hon. Member.
24WLetter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 4 March 1996.
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the number of sea birds affected by oil originating from the 'Sea Empress'.
1216/95/96
Reports received up to 28 February were that 3,806 sea birds has been affected by the SEA EMPRESS spill.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) sea birds and (b) other wildlife have been (i) killed and (ii) otherwise affected by oil originating from the Sea Empress. [18360]
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 1 March 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 2 March 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the number of sea birds affected by oil originating from the 'Sea Empress'.
Reports received up to 28 February were that:
- (i) 1,403 seabirds have died, but there are no reports of any wildlife deaths.
- (ii) 2,403 seabirds and 82 seals have been affected by the spill.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he has made to provide compensation to fishermen affected by the oil spill in Pembrokeshire. [18063]
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 29 February 1996]: Compensation for cost incurred and economic loss suffered as a result of the oil pollution damage from the Sea Empress including the costs of reasonable measures taken to prevent or minimise the damage, will be available from the shipowner's insurer and from the international oil pollution compensation fund, which is funded by levies on the oil industry. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales yesterday, officials of relevant Government Departments have brokered an agreement which has enabled temporary arrangements to be put in place to meet claims involving hardship.