§ 19. Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he intends to take to improve the protection of the marine environment from accidents to oil tankers. [18011]
§ Sir George YoungIn addition to our policies to improve vessel safety, we are committed to ensuring that the United Kingdom has the resources to respond quickly and effectively to marine pollution incidents. We have accepted the vast majority of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's inquiry into the protection of the marine environment from pollution from ships, and we are implementing those recommendations vigorously.
§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his assessment of the danger of marine pollution arising from the presence of oil tankers off British coasts; and if he will make a statement. [18018]
§ Sir George YoungThe carriage of any hazardous or polluting cargo by any transport mode inevitably involves some element of risk. The Government remain committed to reducing that risk so far as is possible.