§ 86. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he has taken and with what result to protect British ports and seaside resorts from the recent damage caused by sea pollution and from oil and slick and other deleterious substances discharged by ships in British waters; and what steps he has taken by Her Majesty's protection squadrons or otherwise to identify and penalise the guilty ships and 300W to recover compensation for the damage done.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe Department has made proposals to the local authority associations on measures designed to strengthen the ability of local authorities to fight oil pollution both on and off shore, and consultations are proceeding with all despatch. But the only sure protection is the prevention of pollution at source. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is vigorously pursuing this objective through the appropriate international agencies, in which questions of detection, enforcement and liability are also being considered.