HC Deb 21 November 1972 vol 846 cc1078-9
17. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he hopes to introduce legislation for penalties for those found guilty of emitting toxic substances into the North Sea.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

As soon as parliamentary time permits.

Mr. Dalyell

Have we not now reached a position in which legislation which is widely acknowledged—not least by the Government themselves—to be urgently necessary is being held up because of the difficulty of keeping Government back-benchers here late at night?

Mr. Stodart

I have told the hon. Gentleman over and over again that we propose to get this legislation as soon as time permits—

Mr. Dalyell

What does that mean?

Mr. Stodart

I should have thought that it meant depending on how swiftly parliamentary business proceeds.

Mr. Laurance Reed

Since more months have now elapsed since the signing of the Oslo Agreement than it took to negotiate it and we have still not ratified it, have the Government not considered giving a lead to other nations in this matter, at a time when anti-pollution laws on dry land are being strengthened?

Mr. Stodart

I regard this as a highly important measure, but there are other important measures, too. This is a matter for my right hon. Friend.