§ 12. Mr. Loveysasked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to determine the most satisfactory method of dispersing oil discharged at sea to prevent the beaches from being polluted and to reduce the harmful effect on birds.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Dr. Jeremy Bray)A method of dealing with oil floating on inshore waters was developed by the Warren Spring Laboratory, in 1961. A joint working group of Local Authorities and the Institute of Petroleum has been set up to look into the whole problem of the discharging of oil at sea and the pollution of beaches.
§ Mr. LoveysWhen shall we have some definite result from these inquiries which have been going on for a very long time now?
§ Dr. BrayThat is not the case. The inquiries and discussions between local authorities and the Institute of Petroleum have been in progress only recently. The technical methods are there waiting to be used.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamCan the hon. Gentleman say how many maritime countries have not ratified the Convention on the pollution of the sea by oil?