§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what proposals he has to amend regulations governing admission of single-hulled oil tankers to harbours in the United Kingdom; [17894]
(2) what action he is taking to ensure that single-hull tankers are banned from using United Kingdom coastal waters; and if he will make a statement. [17913]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Government participated fully in international agreements that single-hulled oil tankers would be phased out by 2024, as approximately 93 per cent. of the world's oil tanker fleet are single-hulled, a faster phasing out could restrict if not halt the essential movement of oil cargoes to and from our ports.