§ 30. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Maker Parish Council has complained that landing craft have been discharging waste fuel-oil in Cawsand Bay; that the foreshore has been covered in oil and people have had their clothes ruined; and if he will take the necessary action to prevent a recurrence of this nuisance.
Mr. DugdaleI am informed that the Maker Parish Council wrote to the King's 423 Harbour Master, Plymouth, on 9th June complaining of oil fuel pollution in Caw-sand Bay, and that an acknowledgment of this letter was sent by the King's Harbour Master on 10th June asking for details of the time and date of the alleged pollution in order that the matter might be fully investigated. The Council's reply is still awaited. I can assure the hon. Member that the Naval authorities at Plymouth make every effort to prevent contamination by His Majesty's ships. King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, in fact, state that:
to pump overboard in harbour or basin, or within 50 miles of any coast, any oil fuel, oily refuse, or bilge water, etc., which may contain oil fuel residue is strictly forbidden.
§ Mr. MarshallIs it possible for the Admiralty to find out what type of vessels were in the vicinity of Cawsand Bay at the time mentioned?
Mr. DugdaleI can state that, among other vessels, there were six landing craft which have been sold to the Greek Navy and are on their way to Greece. They were there, and it is possible that pollution may have been caused by them, but I cannot say, because we got the information so late that it was impossible to take any action.
§ Mr. MarshallIf information does reach the Admiralty that this occurrence had nothing to do with the Royal Navy, will the hon. Gentleman give publicity to the fact?