§ 51. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the latest position with regard to the ratification by 1219 other countries of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil.
§ Mr. NeaveThe Convention has been ratified by ten countries and comes into force on 26th July next.
§ Mr. RidsdaleAre there any maritime Powers that use our ports which have not yet signed the Convention?
§ Mr. NeaveYes, indeed, there are. I have not any information about their ratification, but soon after the Convention comes into force it is proposed to approach them to see what can be done towards getting them also to ratify.
§ 52. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that the recent Regulations he has made under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955, are adequate to prevent the discharge of oil in the sea near the coasts and the consequent fouling of beaches, and danger to sea birds and shell fish; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeaveThe Act and the Regulations my right hon. Friend has made under it have had good results and oil pollution of our coasts is much less than it was. Outside territorial waters, however, my right hon. Friend can only regulate ships registered in the United Kingdom, and there should be a further improvement when the 1954 Convention is in force. We shall continue to watch progress closely.
§ Mr. RidsdaleAre foreign oil-burning and carrying vessels which use our ports equipped with oil separators?
§ Mr. NeaveI should like notice of that question. We in this country are, of course, doing a great deal in that respect.