HC Deb 09 March 1953 vol 512 cc840-1
46. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the report of the Committee appointed to consider what practical measures can be taken to prevent oil pollution of coastal waters; and whether he will publish this report.

47. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to state the result of his inquiries and discussions with the various interests concerned on the subject of oil pollution around our coasts.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Committee have not yet reported and until they do so there is no statement that I can usefully make on their inquiries. I sympathise with my hon. Friend's impatience; but this is a most complex and difficult problem. We all want a comprehensive solution, and I am convinced it is worth waiting for rather than rushing to produce something that might not be satisfactory. The committee are working hard and are fully seized of the urgency of the subject. I intend to publish the report.

Mr. Robinson

Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to expedite this report in the hope that the beaches at our British holiday resorts will not be polluted during the coming summer?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I hope some advance steps will be taken. I hope it will be possible, but I think I should be misleading the House if I did not stress the difficulties of this problem.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Will my right hon. Friend give as much publicity as possible to the fact that aircraft have been asked to look for offenders around our coasts, as in the case I have communicated to him, as I think that will be a help?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly.