Mike Penning calls for a clear explanation of which Government Secretary of State is responsible for the Buncefield aftermath.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, called on the Government to clarify which Secretary of State is now in charge of dealing with the aftermath of the Buncefield Oil Depot fire.

Six months have passed since the Buncefield fire, Mike Penning told the House of Commons:

“Since then, 4,000 jobs have been put at risk and our water table has been contaminated, but we have received no money from the Government. Can we have debate in which some Secretary of State makes it clear who is in charge, as the Deputy Prime Minister has been moved from his position?”

Later Mike Penning added:

“At the time the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, was quick to make a statement to the House of Commons and quick to visit the scene. He told us that he would be responsible for dealing with the aftermath – but now he has been moved from his position. Now another Government minister should come forward and take on the responsibility.”