MP wins critical Commons debate on Buncefield
13th July 2006
Mike Penning has won a ballot for a critical adjournment debate on the Buncefield Oil Depot explosion.
Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, has been critical of the Government’s decision to hold the inquiry into the Buncefield Oil Depot explosion and fire behind closed doors.
“It is bad for public and business confidence that the Government felt the need to hold this inquiry in secret,” he said.
“It is also unclear as to which Minister is now in charge”. Initially, John Prescott told us he was in charge, but since his departure from his ministerial role, it is unclear who we should be dealing with.”
“Even though the explosion took place before Christmas, the local authorities have still to be told if they will be compensated for the costs of clearing up this national disaster,” he added.
Mike entered the ballot after repeatedly calling for a Government Minister to make a statement to MPs about the current situation. By winning a debate in the ballot, he has now forced the Government to send a Minister to debate the issue at the House of Commons.
It has been announced that the debate entitled “Health and Safety Executive inquiry into Buncefield oil depot fire in Hemel Hempstead” will take place on Wednesday 19th July.
