To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with Calor Gas on the designation and provision of a receiving tank as an overfill receiver for its Canvey Island liquefied natural gas terminals; and if he will make a statement. (290857)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: DEFRA has not had any discussions with Calor Gas on the designation and provision of a receiving tank as an overfill receiver for its Canvey Island LNG terminals.

The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the joint competent authorities for regulation of the Canvey Island Calor Gas site under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH). I understand the hon. Member has had a number of recent discussions with the HSE about the safe operation of this site.