Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 June 2005. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Oil Tankers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the policy of the Government is on the transport of crude oil in single hull tankers in the area of the Solent.

Answer: Single hull tankers carrying heavy grade oils, including the heavier grades of crude oil (high density or high viscosity), are not allowed to enter or leave a port or offshore terminal or anchor in an area under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.International agreements still allow the lighter grades of crude oil to be carried in single hull tankers. By 2006, these tankers will have been constructed with some form of protection against collision or grounding. These tankers will no longer be allowed to enter or leave a port or offshore terminal or anchor in an area under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom in 2010, unless they are modified to comply with the double hull construction requirements of the IMO MARPOL Annex I regulations.

Secondary information