HC Deb 05 November 1958 vol 594 cc925-6
18. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will give consideration to the provision of air patrols around the British coast to detect ships which pump out their bilges too near the shore.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Airey Neave)

In the course of their normal flying duties Service aircraft already keep a look-out for discharges of oil at sea. The expense of providing special air patrols for this purpose would not be justified.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is the Minister aware that one of the difficulties of the present situation is that of detection and that the presence of even one or two spotting aircraft would have a psychological effect in greater proportion than the cost involved?

Mr. Neave

My hon. Friend is right. He will know that arrangements for spotting by Service aircraft have been in existence for a number of years and we believe that to be a valuable deterrent.

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