HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 cc27-8W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what tests and certification procedures have been carried out by his Department into the toxicity of those dispersants used on oil from the Sea Empress and their effect on the marine environment; [20808]

(2) what tests and certification procedures have been carried out by his Department into the toxicity of those dispersants used on oil spilt from the Sea Empress and their effect on human health. [20809]

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 14 March 1996]: The Department is responsible for the testing and approval of all products used to disperse oil at sea. Following a recent review, it has been confirmed that dispersants should continue to be tested for their efficacy and toxicity using agreed scientific protocols. These tests ensure that the products work and are no more toxic to marine life than the oil itself. Use of dispersant products in Great Britain is also subject to legislation enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. A copy of the review was placed in the Library of both Houses on completion earlier this year.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which dispersants sprayed on oil from the Sea Empress have been banned by which(a) European and (b) North American countries. [20760]

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 14 March 1996]: All dispersants are tested for efficacy and toxicity before they can be approved for use in UK waters by the Department. The Ministry holds no information on which dispersants have been approved or banned by European and North American countries. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the proportion of each chemical which constitutes the dispersants known as(a) Finasol OSR 51, (b) Slickgone LTSW, (c) Slickgone NS, (d) Dispolene 345, (e) Correctsit 9500, (f) Annersperse 9538 and (g) Super 25. [20764]

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 14 March 1996]: The chemical constituents of dispersants and the proportion in which individual chemicals occur in products are confidential to the manufacturer. I listed all active ingredients of dispersants sprayed on oil from the Sea Empress in a recent answer. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ceredigian and Pembroke, North (Mr. Dafis) on 4 March 1996, Official Report, column 83. The Department does not recognise Dispolene 345, Correctsit 9500 and Annersperse 9538 as dispersant products and has not approved products with these names.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when(a) Finasol OSR 51, (b) Slickgone LTSW, (c) Slickgone NS, (d) Dispolene 345, (e) Correctsit 9500, (f) Annersperse 9538 and (g) Super 25 were tested and approved for use on oil spills; and which department approved them. [20761]

Mr. Baldry

[holding answer 14 March 1996]: Dispolene 345, Correctsit 9500 and Annersperse 9538 are not approved dispersant products. All the remaining dispersants listed have been approved by the Department following successful completion of efficacy and toxicity tests.

The approval dates are as follows:

  • Finasol OSR 51: 1987
  • Slickgone LTSW: 1984
  • Slickgone NS: 1988
  • Super 25: 1990