§ 13. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he now hopes to introduce legislation to ratify the Oslo Convention on Pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)As the hon. Members knows, my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council has written to him on this subject.
§ Mr. DalyellAs delay is a source of increasing international embarrassment, what is the real problem?
§ Mr. StodartMy right hon. Friend said clearly to the hon. Gentleman—and I echo his sentiments—that we agree on the importance of legislating, and that there is a need for a Bill to be introduced as soon as possible. It is doubtful whether we can manage to fit in legislation during this Session. There is no question about our attitude on the importance of legislation.