To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the purpose of licensing retail petrol stations is; and if he will make a statement. (121177)

The intrinsic hazards of petrol, and the fact that the public are often present, or nearby, when it is being dispensed, were the primary reasons for the introduction of petroleum licensing by the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1929.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the proposed timescale is for the introduction of licensing for retail petrol stations in Northern Ireland. (121178)

Petroleum licensing was introduced in Northern Ireland by the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1929. Each district council acts as the petroleum licensing authority for its area. A consultation exercise on proposals to transfer responsibility for petroleum licensing from district councils to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has recently ended. Responses to this consultation are currently being analysed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has held with relevant trade associations about the introduction of licensing for retail petrol stations. (121179)

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no discussions with relevant trade associations about petroleum licensing. However, interested parties, including relevant trade associations, have recently been consulted on proposals to transfer responsibility for petroleum licensing—introduced in Northern Ireland by the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1929—from district councils to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland. Responses to this consultation are currently being analysed.