Press Release
Smith demands ship to ship ministerial meeting
25/7/06
Margaret Smith, MSP for the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh West, has
expressed her concern at the recent proposal for ship-to-ship transfers
of Russian oil in the Firth of Forth by Melbourne Marine Ltd.
Forth Ports was recently effectively given the go ahead to allow the transfers when the Maritime and Coastguard Agency announced its intention to approve the company’s oil spill contingency plan. As it stands, it is now up to the harbour authority to decide on the proposals.
Margaret has written to Ross Finnie, Minister for the Environment and Rural Development asking for an urgent meeting with the MInister or his deputy Rhona Brankin and asking for the Scottish Executive to consider applying its powers under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.
She has also written to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland expressing her concerns about Forth Ports decision making position in this matter given the obvious financial gain they will make if the scheme goes ahead.Margaret Smith said:
“I am concerned at the likely consequences
of the MCA’s recent decision
. I hope the Executive will consider using their powers to stop this
scheme going ahead given the widespread concerns about the potential
risks to the local environment and economy.
I also remain very concerned that Forth Ports may well have the final
say over a scheme which will make them a lot of money if it is given
the go –ahead. That’s why we need the Executive to step in
and why I have asked for an urgent meeting with Ross Finnie.”
Notes:
Submission
by John Barrett MP and Margaret Smith MSP >>
|
