Written question asked by Frank Doran (Labour) on Friday, 24 October 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 October 1997. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what statutory obligations will be placed on local authorities to achieve proper compliance with the International Maritime 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.

Answer: Mr. Doran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statutory obligations will be placed on local authorities to achieve proper compliance with the International Maritime 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12702; 299 c719-20W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Functions Local government International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation