§ 73. Sir EDWIN STOCKTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War the portions of waters round the British coasts where T.N.T. and other explosive refuse is being dumped; and whether there have been any complaints of the practice?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSConsiderable quantities of waste ammunition have been dumped since the War in areas settled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in consultation with the War Office and other Departments concerned. The principal areas in proximity to the British Isles which have been used for dumping within the last 12 months are designated by the following central points:
453 Minor quantities have been dumped at a point on the Goodwin Sands and off Portsmouth and Plymouth. All areas have been carefully selected with a view to avoiding interference with fishing operations or navigation and danger to fishermen. Early in 1920 dumping took place in the Black Deep in the Thames Estuary. Complaints were received from the Oyster Merchants' and Shellfish Planters' Association that this dumping had caused injury to oyster beds, but, after the fullest examination, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have come to the conclusion that these complaints are ill-founded. No dumping has taken place in the Thames Estuary since 1920. A few minor complaints as to the washing ashore of dumped material and as to damage to nets have also been received and dealt with. All possible steps are taken to ensure that all dumped material shall remain on the bottom, where it is dumped.
- Between the Isle of Man and Anglesey, 53º32N., 4º50W.
- In the Channel near the Hurd Deep at 49º50N., 2º20W.
- In the Bristol Channel, 51º32N., 4º50W.