§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if his Department will convene a conference of all local authorities in Welsh control areas to adopt a strategy for combating oil pollution;
(2) whether he is satisfied with the methods of monitoring oil pollution in the sea off the Welsh coast;
(3) in view of the oil importing capacity of Welsh ports, whether he is satisfied with the services available to counter oil pollution on Welsh beaches.
§ Mr. Alec JonesLocal authorities are responsible for preparing contingency plans to deal with oil pollution on Welsh beaches. With guidance from the Welsh Office, they have prepared such plans. Responsibility for dealing with oil pollution at sea rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade. The Welsh Office and the Department of Trade have already held a full scale exercise in South Wales and are holding a further major exercise in North Wales on 28th April to test these plans. I see no need for a conference as proposed by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales, whether his Department has established the source of oil deposited on the beaches of Cardigan Bay during the week during week beginning 4th April.
§ Mr. Alec JonesNo, Sir. Samples taken from the oil deposited on these beaches are at present being examined by the Government Chemist, but it is possible that the results will be inconclusive.