HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 cc342-3
19. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what evidence his Department has from local authorities concerned of the cost incurred by them in clearing beaches of oil residues.

Mr. Molson

I am aware that expenditure has been incurred by local authorities in clearing oil residues from beaches, but I do not know how much.

Mr. Hayman

Will the hon. Gentleman's Department collect such evidence, because all the arrangements now being made to deal with this nuisance are of a long-term nature, whereas the pollution of the beaches is a vital matter here and now, and many local authorities are saddled with very heavy expenditure?

Mr. Molson

I should not be willing to ask the local authorities about their expenditure upon this matter. It would only lead them to ask us to make a contribution towards it, and the Ministry of Transport has no funds available for that purpose. As I indicated last week, my right hon. Friend has called an international conference for early next year with a view to putting into effect the recommendations of the Committee on the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil. If we are able to get agreement upon that, this very serious problem will then be solved.

Mr. G. Wilson

Can my hon. Friend devise any means whereby his Department might assist local authorities to deal with this very difficult menace?

Mr. Molson

We should naturally be willing to consider any suggestions which my hon. Friend cares to put forward, provided that it does not involve State expenditure.

Mr. Hayman

As the Joint Parliamentary Secretary's answer was so unsatisfactory, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.