MSP SAYS SCOTLAND SHOULD DECIDE ON SHIP-TO-SHIP OIL TRANSFERS.

MSP SAYS SCOTLAND SHOULD DECIDE ON SHIP-TO-SHIP OIL TRANSFERS.

West of Scotland SNP MSP Dr Bill Wilson - a member of the Scottish
Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Environment Committee - has written to
the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment,
suggesting that the Marine (Scotland) Bill, currently at Stage 1,
offers an opportunity for Scotland to take the power to control
ship-to-ship oil transfer in its waters. Currently this power resides
with the UK Government.

Commenting Dr Wilson said:

"Following a tour of the Forth estuary with the RSPB I was shocked to
hear that although the estuary is home to many magnificent seabirds
their populations are declining.

"The last thing this internationally significant wildlife area needs
is an oil spill. Early SNP action in 2007 helped to remove the
immediate threat of ship to ship transfer in the Forth but the
Scottish Parliament does not have the full powers to determine the
future of Ship to Ship in the areas.

"The Scottish Government does not, as yet, have the power to prevent
ship-to-ship transfers in Scottish waters. I hope that this element
can be incorporated in the new Bill.

"We owe it to the world to look after our magnificent natural heritage."