§ 27. Mr. Wallaceasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made by local authorities in the preparation of schemes for organising executive responsibility for action against the oil pollution of beaches.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am happy to say that progress has been satisfactory. All maritime local authorities are covered by one scheme or another. Twenty-five detailed schemes have been sent to the Department. Many of these cover a number of local authorities, as I hoped they would. The remaining scheme-making authorities are now putting the finishing touches to their plans.
§ Mr. WallaceIs the Minister aware that in Norfolk and many other areas there a number of small district councils, and if there is major pollution in those areas how would such small councils be able to cope?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe whole principle upon which the plans are being drawn up is that the county council or county borough should accept the primary responsibility. In the Norfolk County Council scheme there is provision for mutual aid with East Suffolk County Council, the Holland and Lindsey County Council and the Great Yarmouth County Borough. All the district councils in the area, however small, will know that they can look to the county council or the neighbouring county councils for very considerable help.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWould the Minister agree that it is much better to prevent this oil pollution happening? Would he consult with his right hon. Friend to try to increase the protection patrols, and stop these tankers sluicing out their tanks, thus causing pollution?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe hon. Gentleman is basically absolutely right, but there are 1250 a number of difficulties in this. I will certainly bring what he says to the attention of my right hon. Friend.