 The oil would be transferred in the Firth of Forth |
The decision over controversial ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth will be made on a "proper scientific basis", Jack McConnell said. During First Minister's Questions, he was asked if he had asked the company to move to Scapa Flow in Orkney, where transfers already take place.
He said it would not be appropriate for him to make such a request.
Melbourne Marine Services wants to pump about 7.8 million tonnes of crude oil a year between tankers in the firth.
Mr McConnell was asked by Liberal Democrat MSP Andrew Arbuckle whether the alternative location had been suggested to the Sunderland-based company.
Mr McConnell said the decision on the proposal was one for the "appropriate authorities and agencies".
"Of course the agencies of our devolved government are involved in making appropriate representations on this matter, they are of course involved in advising on it - to suggest otherwise is wrong," he said.
"I don't think, though, it would be appropriate for us to get into a situation in Scotland where we try and dump or encourage different locations for this sort of activity.
"It needs to be dealt with on a proper scientific basis and that is exactly what will happen."
Christine May, Labour MSP for Central Fife, asked the first minister if he agreed that a safety exercise in the Firth of Forth, due to be led by Fife Council this year, should, for the first time, simulate a ship-to-ship oil transfer spillage.
Private company
Mr McConnell said it should be left to the organisers to decide what kind of exercise to hold.
"I think Christine May's idea is a very useful and constructive one but it should be for those who are involved in the front line in responding to emergency situations to determine what is the best use of their contingency planning in each given year.
"I would urge them, though, to consider this as one of the options for this year," he said.
Green Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said the executive had decided to leave Forth Ports with the power to decide on the proposal.
He said that meant it was in the hands of an unelected, private company with a conflict of interests.
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It needs to be dealt with on a proper scientific basis and that is exactly what will happen
