§ Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what recent guidance he has issued to what local authorities on dealing with oil pollution of beaches; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to provide that oil slicks at sea can be dispersed before they reach the shore and cause damage.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe most recent guidance, which went to all local authorities around the coast, including county councils, was contained in a circular issued on 8th July, 1968. This was accompanied by comprehensive technical guidance provided by the Warren Spring Laboratory of the Ministry of Technology, and arrangements are being 53W made for beach cleaning demonstrations to be given this summer. The circular asked the councils of all coastal counties and county boroughs to draw up schemes of organisation under which the local authorities would deal with oil pollution; and it provided for grant at 50 per cent. It urged the authorities to plan on the assumption that they should themselves be ready to deal with oil floating off-shore. This will not invariably be the right thing to do because in some places the use of chemicals or sinking agents may endanger the fisheries or the interests of nature conservancy.