asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to introduce legislation to change the present anomalous situation where planning and fire brigade authorities have no jurisdiction over oil jetties if they are situated in the sea beyond the water mark; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Dangerous Substances (Oil Jetties) Regulations, 1979, made by the Minister for Labour provide that the functional area of a fire brigade authority shall be deemed to include any oil jetty which lies offshore, any part of which or whose pipelines are connected to the shore at a point which is within such functional area. In line with the Government's undertaking to give effect as far as lies in their power to the recommendations of the Whiddy Tribunal, I am considering what further measures may be necessary in relation to the maritime jurisdiction of local authorities.