Clause 1 - Meaning of ''emergency''
Civil Contingencies Bill
11:15 am
Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Parliamentary Leader; Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, Plaid Cymru)
I have a particular interest in the issue of oil pollution. I mentioned it earlier with regard to offshore pollution, but in fact, one of the problems we will encounter in the coming years is that at least 35 per cent. of all underground fuel tanks will start leaking. In London alone there can be up to 80 individual incidents in one year, so it is potentially a serious problem.
While I am pleased that the phrase has been brought up, I do share the concern of the hon. Gentleman about ''other combustible substances''. Oil covers all oil derivatives, but there are other combustible substances openly available that do not necessarily derive from oil. So it is a sensible amendment and I wonder if the Minister would address that in due course. It is a very important issue—we will undoubtedly face much disruption in the coming months and years. This is something that I welcome in the Bill, but I would also welcome further consideration of the amendment, particularly ''other combustible substances''.
It being twenty-five minutes past Eleven o'clock, The Chairman adjourned the Committee without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Adjourned till this day at half-past Two o'clock.
Butterfill, Sir John (
Chairman
Alexander, Mr.
Allan, Mr.
Campbell, Mr.
Carmichael, Mr.
Evans, Mr.
Heald, Mr.
Lazarowicz, Mr.
Llwyd, Mr.
Mactaggart, Fiona
Mercer, Patrick
Osborne, Sandra
Pope, Mr.
Pound, Mr.
Prentice, Ms
Quinn, Lawrie
Turner, Mr.