§ 24. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will now direct that the boom installed for the purpose of protecting the beaches of Canvey Island and Southend-on-Sea from oil pollution, and which was removed as a war-time 'measure, shall be replaced.
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I am advised that this boom would not prevent oil pollution.
§ Mr. BraineIs the Minister aware that his predecessor made a recommendation that the boom should be restored and, in view of the fact that oil pollution is a serious matter for any seaside resort, will not he look at the matter again?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I will not look at it again because I looked at it very carefully before. I am basing the decision on the report of experts from the Port of London Authority and the hydrographer of the Navy, and they say that the boom will be of no use at all and that oil pollution on beaches is largely caused by oil discharged from ships.
§ Mr. BraineIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and the Minister's lack of knowledge of the subject, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at the first opportunity.