HC Deb 07 April 1937 vol 322 c171
7. Mr. Day

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the new ships that are being built for His Majesty's Navy will be fitted with separators for the purpose of preventing the discharge of oily refuse into the sea, thus affecting the birds?

Sir S. Hoare

All the large ships now under construction are being fitted with separators.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when the other ships are constructed, they will be fitted with separators?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir. I am informed that it is the large ships that matter. The hon. Member will remember that there is a general prohibition against discharging oil from any ships within, I think, 50 miles of the coast. That remains. It is a general prohibition, and, as far as the large ships are concerned, we think that it is a sufficient provision.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will the Admiralty consider the desirability of using coal instead of oil, and then these birds will not be affected?