SHIP-TO-SHIP OIL TRANSFER IN THE FORTH

Early day motion 2586, tabled 17 July 2006 by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 19 members.

That this House expresses disappointment at the decision by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to approve the oil-spill contingency plan in the Firth of Forth; believes that due to the ecologically sensitive nature of the Forth, plans for ship-to-ship oil transfer should not be granted approval; recognises that there is widespread opposition to the plans from experts, environmental groups, local authorities and parliamentarians; and calls on the Transport Secretary not to approve ship-to-ship transfer unless the Forth Ports Authority can show conclusively that there will be no detrimental impact on the area's environment including bird life and and marine mammals as a result of the oil transfer operations.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 7, Labour 6, Scottish National Party 5, Conservative 1.