29
Wednesday, March 27, 1974
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OIL COMPANIES
.To Be Drawn Up By Consultants
The Government plans to appoint consultants to draw up a code
of practice for oil companies operating in Hong Kong.
This was announced in the Legislative Council today by the
Secretary for Environment, Mr. James Robson, when he tabled the report
of the Commission of Inquiry into the Apleichau Oil Spill.
Mr. Robson said that approval of funds for this purpose would be
sought from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
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He added that a decision would be taken in the light of the
consultants' recommendations as to whether oil storage installations
should be brought under closer government scrutiny and, if so, how the
control should be exercised.
Although the Commission had recommended no changes in the existing
legislation and system of control, the government felt it should introduce
some degree of control in view of the risks
of a further oil spill.
involved and the seriousness
Commenting on the "prompt and efficient manner" in which government
departments reacted to the Apleichau incident on November 8, 1973,
Mr. Robson said this had indicated that the existing machinery was adequate
to deal with any major oil spill in Hong Kong waters.
Nevertheless, in the light of experience gained from the exercise,
the machinery would be modified and strengthened.
/Orders had