§ 31. Mr. Roland Robinsonasked the Minister of Transport what information he has received following the inquiries he has recently made from local authorities and other bodies on the subject of the pollution of the sea and of beaches by oil; and what action he proposes to take as a result.
§ Mr. BarnesThe inquiries to which the hon. Member refers cover all aspects of the problem of oil pollution, including the extent, cause and effects of, and possible remedies for, pollution of the coasts of the United Kingdom. When the replies have been received and collated a summary will be sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with the recommendation made by the Transport and Communications Commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in April, 1951.
§ Mr. RobinsonAs it is now over three months since the Minister asked for information from local authorities for submission to the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation of the United Nations, can he say when that organisation is to be set up?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot expedite the replies from local authorities. They are coming in, and when sufficient information is in my Department the necessary action will be taken.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardIs the Minister aware that this is a matter of very great concern in the West Country, especially in Cornwall?
§ Mr. BarnesYes, I appreciate that.
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsCan my right hon. Friend say whether, when this report is prepared, there will be an opportunity for hon. Members to see it in, for instance, the Library, or elsewhere?
§ Mr. BarnesI will certainly take note of that.