HC Deb 17 July 1967 vol 750 cc1526-7
20. Dr. David Owen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement following further international discussions about steps to avoid recurrence of the "Torrey Canyon" incident.

Mr. William Rodgers

In the second half of June there were meetings of the Council, the Maritime Safety Committee and he new Legal Committee of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation. They made good progress by setting out the programme for the 18 expert studies referred to by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 12th June and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Board of Trade on 26th June.—[Vol. 748, c. 83; Vol. 749, c. 27.]

Dr. David Owen

Would my hon. Friend like to tell the House about the arrest of the sister ship of the "Torrey Canyon", the "Lake Palourde", which apparently has taken place in Singapore?

Mr. Rodgers

Not at this moment.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Can we have an assurance from the Government that as these international consultations proceed the Sub-Committee on Science and Technology dealing with this matter will be kept informed?

Mr. Rodgers

Yes, I can give that undertaking.