HC Deb 09 July 2001 vol 371 c381W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received calling for the introduction of third party monitoring of wetstock at petrol retailers. [1577]

Dr. Whitehead

I have been asked to reply.

HSE does not collect statistics on the number of field visits and inspections made by environmental health officers to petrol retail outlets using underground storage tanks. Local authority petroleum officers issue licences under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 to petrol retail outlets to ensure the safe storage of petrol.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what initiatives are being undertaken to ensure that petrol retail site managers are fully trained to assess wetstock risks. [1582]

Dr. Whitehead

I have been asked to reply.

A recent circular, jointly issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority interests (PETEL 65/34 "leak detection in tanks and pipework"), gives relevant advice to petroleum officers on this topic. Petroleum officers will use this advice when carrying out inspections. The circular is available on the HSE website.