To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 8 May 2007, Official Report, columns 44-45W, on Oil: Pollution, whether he intends to pursue additional measures against oil pollution in those regions where the total number of private and commercial oil pollution incidents has risen between 2002 and 2006; and if he will make a statement. (141677)

The latest figures on oil pollution incidents show a clear downward trend in most English regions. This suggests that the measures in place are the right ones. The Environment Agency, as regulator, will consider whether additional enforcement action is required where the downward trend is not in evidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the targets set in the Guidance Notes for the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 of reducing oil related water pollution incidents by about half between 1999 and 2005 have been met; and if he will make a statement. (141678)

I understand from the Environment Agency that the reduction in oil-related pollution incidents between 1999 and 2005 is substantial. I shall write to the hon. Member when I have the precise figures from the Agency to confirm whether the target has been met. I will arrange for copies of the letter to be placed in the Libraries of the House.