§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will seek an early opportunity to raise, in an appropriate international forum, the need to establish emergency machinery to deal immediately with major oil pollution disasters at sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI wrote to the hon. Member on 7th June on this topic. Regional agreements exist in certain parts of the world, including one between the eight States bordering the North Sea. These provide for such matters as respective responsibilities, exchange of information and mutual assistance in oil spill clearance. The Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation through its Marine Environment Protection Committee is encouraging States to be prepared to deal with spills, and to conclude regional agreements where 21W appropriate. However, the initiative for action must lie with the State whose coastline is threatened by the spill, calling on others for assistance where necessary.