§ 13. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that oil pollution of the sea is worsening; and if he will take steps to bring to the attention of masters and crews of oil carrying and oil burning vessels the dangers of this defilement to beaches and birds and the methods they can adopt to prevent it.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettA comprehensive manual on this subject has been produced by the Ministry and we intend to pursue this matter vigorously at the forthcoming International Conference. However, my information is that pollution around the coasts of the United Kingdom has somewhat decreased during the past year.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that this battle for the birds, the beaches and the seaside resorts has been going on for a considerable time and that it appears to me from what I see that little progress has been made? Will the Minister take unilateral action against our ships when waste oil is thrown overboard? Is he aware that I am glad to hear that he is placing this matter on the Agenda at the meeting to take place next month?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI must point out that there are a number of prosecutions every year for this offence. There is the difficulty of enforcement outside the three-mile limit, and the chief object at the conference will be to get additional nations to adhere to the Convention and make it more effective.
§ Mr. AwberyCannot we show an example in this country?