§ 37. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state his plans to amend further the Merchant Shipping Acts and the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Bill so as to deal effectively with the discharge into British waters of oil and other pollution.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. George Darling)The Government have already announced their plans for dealing with these problems. The question of legislation, whether by amending the Merchant Shipping Acts or otherwise, will be for later consideration.
§ Mr. HughesBut does my right hon. Friend not realise that this has been dragging on for far too long and that the problem has been made more urgent by the imminence of the holiday season and by the disaster off Cornwall? Will he therefore act promptly before the summer?
§ Mr. DarlingWe understand the real problems which are created here. My hon. and learned Friend is asking for legislation. This is a matter which we are urgently considering.