§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the cost to public funds to date for the clean-up of the Sea Empress oil pollution accident; and what assessment he has made of the future costs to be incurred. [11937]
§ Mr. BowisWe estimate that the cost to central and local government of clean-up work following the Sea Empress has been in the order of £17 million, and that future costs are likely to be less than £2 million. Reasonable clean-up costs should be eligible for compensation from the shipowner's insurer and from the international oil pollution compensation fund.