§ 2.57 p.m.
§ Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether existing international agreements require the reporting to coastal countries concerned of the loss from ships at sea of dangerous cargo, including chemicals.
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, I can confirm that the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) does require the ships of signatory states to report the loss of substances harmful to the marine environment, including chemicals, to the nearest coastal countries. It is also strongly recommended for other dangerous goods.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for his reply. As the ship which lost the potassium cyanide recently found on south coast beaches is registered in Qatar—a country which is not a party to the relevant convention—what is being done to encourage other countries to participate in international agreements to improve safety and to ensure that there are adequate warnings when dangerous chemicals are lost overboard?
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, the Government have already asked the Qatar authorities to investigate the incident. We have received assurances from them that they will do so. When the ship next visits the UK marine surveyors will board the vessel to ascertain whether the cargo is being loaded in accordance with our regulations. Meanwhile, inquiries are being made in this country to establish how the goods were stowed. The international maritime organisation is trying to obtain more signatures to the convention: at the moment there are 134. Unfortunately, there are one or two countries which have not yet signed. This incident was made even more difficult due to the fact that it occurred in international waters.
§ Lord Hatch of LusbyMy Lords, can the noble Viscount tell the House whether there is any further news of the lindane containers which were lost in the English Channel nearly 12 months ago and about which very little, if anything, has been heard since?
§ Viscount DavidsonNo, my Lords. I believe that the loss occurred in French territorial waters. But if the noble Lord cares to put down a Question on that subject I shall try to find the answer.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, reference has just been made to the loss of the lindane containers. When the House discussed this matter on 9th May 1989 I asked about the position of the International Maritime Organisation. I wonder whether the noble Viscount can repeat what he has said. Has the matter been raised with the IMO since then, and has pressure been brought to bear under the international convention?
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, hazardous substances are categorised as being dangerous to humans, and under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, hazardous substances are categorised as being harmful to the marine environment. In the case of the former, reporting is strongly recommended by the IMO. With respect to the latter, reporting is a requirement under the MARPOL Convention. Some substances fall into both categories. The noble Lord asked about the IMO. I shall have to find out the position, but it is making the most strenuous efforts to solve all these problems.