Written question asked by Bob Spink (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 15 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 March 2010. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Oikos: Canvey Island

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if she will ensure that the revised safety reports made by (a) the local planning authority and (b) the emergency planning authority in respect of the Oikos site on Canvey Island under the provisions of the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999 are published as soon as each is completed.

Answer: [holding answer 18 March 2010]: There is no duty under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (as amended) ('COMAH') for the local planning authority or the emergency planning authority to produce safety reports in respect of the Oikos site on Canvey Island.Oikos Storage Ltd. as the COMAH operator is required under the regulations to produce a safety report to demonstrate they are taking all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and to limit their consequences to people and the environment.The COMAH Competent Authority comprising (in England and Wales) the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency are responsible for assessing the safety report. The Competent Authority does not publish COMAH safety reports.

Secondary information