HC Deb 01 June 1927 vol 207 cc366-7
16. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there are several appliances in the nature of oil separators now in use on large ocean-going ships which not only obviate the pollution of the sea but make a considerable economy; and whether the Admiralty intends to use any such appliances?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I have no information regarding the considerable economy effected by the installation of such apparatus. As regards the second part, I am afraid that consideration of space and weight preclude the installation of these appliances in His Majesty's Ships, however desirable that might be, but trials are being made of plants suitable for use at the Royal Dockyards.

Sir ROBERT THOMAS

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the greatest offenders in this respect are merchant ships, and that it is quite uneconomical for those ships to comply with the Regulations requiring them to go outside the 50-miles limit? They cannot afford to do so.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a Board of Trade matter.

18. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the ships of His Majesty's Navy propose to comply with the Board of Trade Regulations that British ships shall not be permitted to discharge oil into the sea within 50 miles of our coast; and whether he is aware that if these instructions are carried out it will necessitate the expense of a voyage from Portsmouth either to 50 miles west of Ushant or into the North Sea?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, the expense of the voyage mentioned by the hon. Member will be avoided by the employment of the special barge equipped with oil separating plant now available for service at Portsmouth.

Sir R. THOMAS

On a point of Order. I asked the hon. Member whether it was not a fact that the greatest offenders in this respect are merchant ships and that it is uneconomical for them to comply with the Board of Trade Regulations and discharge this oil outside the 50-miles limit.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had no need to repeat the question. I have told him it should be addressed to the Board of Trade.

Sir R. THOMAS

I beg to give notice that I shall put the question to the Board of Trade.