HC Deb 18 June 1969 vol 785 cc103-4W
59. Mr. Tilney

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for the enforcement of new rules governing pollution of the marine environment and the conservation of the living resources of the sea, now being discussed at the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

Amendments of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil, based on United Kingdom proposals, have been prepared by I.M.C.O. When there is adequate international agreement we shall introduce legislation to enable them to be enforced. I.M.C.O. is also considering the control of marine pollution by other substances and is collecting information internationally with a view to further discussion in September.

67. Mr. Currie

asked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to prevent the spoliation of the coasts of the United Kingdom by oil discharged from shipping.

Mr. William Rodgers

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department said during the course of Monday's debate, we are co-operating with other Governments in the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation in considering further measures to reduce the risk of accidents at sea that threaten pollution. As regards deliberate pollution, the International Convention on oil pollution is being amended, largely on British initiative, to prohibit the discharge of oil in polluting quantities anywhere at sea. In co-operation with other European countries our detection and reporting arrangements are being extended to give better early warning. And the Board of Trade will in future be prepared to arrange and pay for the clearance of oil threatening the coast while it is still out at sea.

69. Sir Stephen McAdden

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has held with the shipping industry on the problem of oil pollution.

Mr. William Rodgers

We are in constant touch with the shipping industry on the problem of oil pollution, especially in connection with the negotiation of international agreements on measures to prevent pollution of the sea.