§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cases the Environment Agency has taken to court concerning Petrus Oil Ltd.; and if he will list the outcome of each case. [66853]
§ Mr. MealeThe Environment Agency has brought prosecution cases against Petrus Oil Ltd. arising from four separate pollution incidents on 28 September 1996, 17 October 1996, 14 April 1997 and 1 July 1997.
All the cases were consolidated into one indictment of 11 counts. Counts 1, 3, 5 and 6 have been stayed by the judge on the basis of abuse of process. Counts 2 and 4 lie on the file as not justifying the expense of a Crown Court trial in isolation. Counts 7–11 relating to the incidents on 14 April 1997 and 1 July 1997 remain to be decided and await the outcome of the Revocation Appeal Inquiry which commences on 2 March 1999 in Stoke-on-Trent.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the irrecoverable costs to the Environment Agency of its cases relating to Petrus Oil Ltd. indicating the amount of costs and date of court order for the Environment Agency to reimburse Petrus Oil Ltd. [66854]
§ Mr. MealeThe irrecoverable costs to the Environment Agency of its cases relating to Petrus Oil Ltd. are difficult to estimate but will be in the region of £150,000 including Counsel's fees, staff costs and consultancy fees. The order for costs to be paid by the Environment Agency was made on 18 December 1998 and was for £118,605.45.