§ 10. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what progress has been made in the international negotiations to secure the universal adoption of measures for preventing the pollution of the seas by oil which still causes the death of thousands of sea birds and the pollution of our coasts?
§ Mr. EDENThe Assembly of the League of Nations decided in September that the subject of the pollution of the sea by oil was one suitable for solution by an international convention and the Council accordingly instructed the Communications and Transit Organisation to complete the preparation of a draft convention on the subject for the consideration of Governments, and to report to the Council when the observations from the Governments had been received. In conformity with these instructions a Committee of Experts convened by the Communications and Transit Organisation met in October and prepared a report and a draft convention, which have been communicated to the Governments concerned for their observations.
§ Sir W. DAVISONMeanwhile, as this may involve delay, would it not be possible for the British Government to do something to prevent the pumping out of waste oil within the three-mile limit?
§ Mr. EDENWe have done a great deal, and we have taken the initiative, but this is a subject for international action, and we will press it forward as rapidly as we can.
§ Mr. CHARLES BROWNHas the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of foreign policy being polluted by oil?