HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc719-20W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will bring in legislation to exclude imprisonment as an option at magistrates' disposal when they consider cases of poll tax and council tax arrears. [12719]

Organisation' s convention on oil pollution preparedness, response and co-operation, with particular reference to articles 3 and 6; and what resources will be provided to assist them in meeting any such obligations. [12702]

Ms Glenda Jackson

None. Regulations to implement the oil pollution preparedness, response and co-operation convention, covering harbour authorities, operators of oil handling facilities and operators of offshore installations, are expected to come into force early next year. They will place no obligations on local authorities. However, the current review of the national contingency plan is considering, amongst other matters, the issue of local authorities' responsibilities for oil pollution, preparedness and response.

Mr. Doran

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to issue implementation rules in relation to the United Kingdom's treaty obligations under the International Maritime Organisation' s convention on oil pollution preparedness, response and co-operation. [12696]

Ms Jackson

Regulations implementing the oil pollution preparedness, response and co-operation—OPRC—convention are expected to come into force early next year. The Coastguard Agency's marine pollution control unit has recently gone out to public consultation on the draft regulations.