§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many incidents of oil pollution affecting coastal waters have been observed by, or reported to, officers of his Department in each of the nine months from July 1976 to February 1977, inclusive; and what has been the cost to the Exchequer in each month undertaking any remedial measures to deal with such pollution.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIn the six months from July 1976, English local authorities reported 19 minor incidents of oil pollu-706W tion on or near the coast. Monthly figures are shown in the table below. Reports for January and February this year are not yet complete. There was no cost to the Exchequer in remedial measures associated with these incidents. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade maintains records of oil sighted at sea.
Month No. of reported incidents of oil pollution July 1976 9 August 1976 4 September 1976 3 October 1976 1 November 1976 Nil December 1976 2