§ Q2. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister if he will now make a statement on the question of compensation arising from the wreck of the "Torrey Canyon".
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The matter is still being considered but a report will, of course, be given to the House at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. MolloyIn so far as the swift action taken by the Government in preventing what might have been a great disaster on our coast—[Interruption.] Hon. Members opposite must not be so juvenilely jealous.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.
§ Mr. MolloyWould my right hon. Friend agree that the action taken by the Government cost a great deal of money which will be shouldered by the British public? Will he make continuous efforts to recover that money?
§ The Prime MinisterI had better not say anything about obligations at this stage while the question of legal proceedings is going on. I do not want to 1819 say anything either as to who will have the right to share in anything which may be awarded or anything which might prejudice a successful conclusion of the negotiations.
§ Mr. BuckWould the Prime Minister care to comment on reports that it is the intention of the French Government to make a claim against the British Government because it is suggested that one of the detergents put on some oil made it more susceptible to the flow of wind and tide?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no suggestion of that coming from the French Government, and we are working closely with the French to help attack the problem of oil on the beaches.