Sir J. DAVIDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the continuing 48W nuisance and damage caused around the coasts by the discharge of oil into the sea; whether any steps are being taken by his Department to enforce the provisions of the Oil in Navigable Waters Act; and, if not, whether he will take immediate action to enforce the Act with a view to mitigating the damage to property and to the fishing industry?
§ Viscount WOLMERAttention has been called to the nuisance caused by oil at certain places round the coast. Section 7 (4) of the Act indicates the authorities and persons who may institute proceedings under the Act, but it must be remembered that from the nature of the case it may not always be easy to obtain the necessary evidence. The Act is not one which is enforced by officers of the Board of Trade.