§ 38. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will specify arrangements made by his Department to deal with oil slicks within the territorial waters of the United Kingdom; what financial support is given to local authorities which deal with the problem; how research into the matter has progressed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThe Department is equipped to deal with serious spillages within territorial waters and beyond, using hired vessels and its own equipment, and has done so successfully several times. The Department of the Environment makes grants of 50 per cent. towards approved expenditure by local authorities on dealing with oil pollution. Research into new methods continues. I will, with permission, circulate a fuller statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LeadbitterWill the Minister take into account that the expenditure of local authorities in dealing with oil slicks has increased rapidly in the last four years, and will he further take into account that there has been plenty of industrial indiscipline in this matter, and take steps to deal with oil waste?
§ Mr. NobleThe first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is for the Department of the Environment. I will take note of what he said in the second part.
§ Following is the statement: