HC Deb 30 June 1949 vol 466 cc114-5W
88. Sir P. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to bathers on the South Coast and also the danger to bird and fish life by the increased amount of oil pollution in the English Channel; and whether he will use his best endeavour to institute international discussions, with a view to preventing this by providing all oil-burning ships with suitable equipment and forbidding the pumping out of oil at sea except under special conditions.

Mr. Callaghan

In answer to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Central Bristol (Mr. Awbery) on 30th May, last. Discharge of oil has already been considered internationally on two occasions, in 1926 and 1935. The problem is appropriate for the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation and when that is established my right hon. Friend will consider putting it before them.