Letter: Risk of further tanker disasters

From Mr Dennis Cross

Sir: The disaster in Milford Haven ("Disaster threat as gales pound striken tanker", 19 February) may be a timely reminder of the dangers posed by National Power's plan, currently subject to public inquiry, to import "Orimulsion" hydrocarbons from South America for firing in Pembroke power station.

This scheme involves importing the fuel in supertankers, which must, logically, increase the risk of a major accident in Milford Haven over the design life of the refitted power station (20-plus years), involving thousands of tanker movements.

The danger is only partly mitigated by the stated intention to use double- hulled ships.

Yours faithfully,

Dennis Cross

Tyseley,

Birmingham