HC Deb 06 December 1933 vol 283 c1476
25. Mr. WHITE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will approach the foreign Governments concerned in the International Convention of 1926 with a view to securing adhesion to the rules laid down in that convention that oily waste must not be discharged within 50 miles of any coast?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Governments of certain countries which were represented at the Washington Conference, 1926, have been consulted as to the desirability of bringing the subject of oil pollution before the League of Nations. The replies which have been received from some of the countries are under consideration. I should add that British shipowners and shipowners of the Netherlands and the United States voluntarily adopted the zone system of 50 miles recommended by the Conference.