Jonathan Sumption QC, acting for Chevron, once again clashed with manager of terminal operations Mike Linley, who was in the witness box for a second day.

Total and Chevron were partners in the joint venture Hertfordshire Oil Storage Limited (HOSL), which ran the part of the depot where the blast took place.

Chevron is attempting to prove Total was in fact in control of the operation and it should foot the bill for damage caused by the 2005 disaster.

Mr Sumption referred again to documents relating to health and safety matters, which he said identified Total as the 'operator'.

Mr Linley responded: "I understood HOSL was the operator."

Mr Sumption said: "You may have understood that but I am telling you you're plainly wrong."

Mr Sumption asked him why he did not accept a key document sent to the Health and Safety Executive made it clear Total was the operator.

"Because Total was not the operator at Buncefield," Mr Linley said.

Mr Sumption said: "Mr Linley, you know that's rubbish, don't you?"

"No, that's not rubbish," Mr Linley replied.

Finally Mr Sumption conceded: "It's obvious from your evidence you and I are not going to agree on what Total's functions were in relation to Buncefield."

Residents and businesses are seeking damages of around £700million from Total and HOSL.

Case continues.