§ 7. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what further discussions have taken place between his Department, the British Embassy in Madrid and the Spanish authorities concerning the recent disaster involving the tanker "Urquiola" at La Coruña.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisOn 22nd May the Spanish Embassy in London relayed to the Department a request for the loan of a quantity of dispersant spraying equipment. This and associated equipment was dispatched by air on 24th May. Apart from this one direct contact with the Spanish authorities, the Department has endeavoured to keep in touch with developments in the pollution clearance operation through various channels, including the British Embassy in Madrid and the tanker's insurers.
§ Mr. AdleyI thank the Minister for that reply. Will he investigate the apparent conflict of interest between oil companies, which manufacture dispersants and sell them to clear up their own mess? Will he use his best endeavours to concentrate the resources of his Department on the development and use of skimming devices which cause no pollution?
§ Mr. DavisI have no evidence of the conflict of interest to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. If he has specific evidence about this, no doubt he will wish to pursue it with me further—although he has written already. In respect of the "Oilmop" device and others of a similar character, these are matters which are being investigated by the Department of Industry's Warren Spring laboratory and also by the fisheries laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Of course, everything which can assist in mitigating this appalling problem will be undertaken.