GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SEA EMPRESS OIL POLLUTION DISASTER

That this House is appalled that, as a result of the Governme nt's failure to fully implement Lord Donaldson's recommendation made in his report on the 'Braer' disaster that the Government should ensure adequate salvage tug capacity around the United Kingdom coast, the 'Sea Empress' remained out of control from Friday 16th February to date because the only tugs available were not powerful enough to maintain her in a safe position, which has resulted in the devastating oil spillages which began on Monday 19th February and threaten one of the world's most important habitats, the Pembrokeshire coast and islands; and calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to accept the full responsibility for this environmental disaster.