XN000022-1974-03-27 — Page 31

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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