Written question asked by Nick Ainger (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 March 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What duties the new Environment Agency will have in relation to marine oil pollution. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Ainger: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what duties the new Environment Agency will have in relation to marine oil pollution.[20962] Mr. Clappison: The new Environment Agency will continue to exercise the same controls over oil pollution of the sea from land-based sources as are currently exercised by the existing regulatory bodies. Operational matters on board ships at sea relating to pollution will continue to be overseen by the Marine Safety Agency. The marine pollution control unit--MPCU--remains the competent national authority for dealing with marine pollution from ships. In a major spill, MPCU is responsible both for directing at-sea operations and co-ordinating the shoreline response.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20962; 274 c531W
Session: 1995-96
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Environment Agency Oil Pollution Pollution control Seas and oceans