§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many incidents of oil pollution affecting coastal waters have been observed by, or reported to, officers of his Department in each of the months from July 1976 to February 1977 inclusive; and what has been the cost to the Exchequer in each month of undertaking 247W any remedial measures to deal with such pollution.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe number of sighting reports of oil slicks received by my Department during each of the months from July 1976 to February 1977, and the cost to my Department of the four occasions on which action was required, are as follows:
Sighting reports Cost of remedial action by the Department of Trade 1976 £ July … … 16 2,061 August … … 13 — September … … 13 — October … … 4 6,000 November … … 3 — December … … 3 — 1977 January … … 3 — February … … 6 1,300 (two incidents) The cost of £6,000 during October 1976 related to an incident in which the polluting ship was identified, and claims for reimbursement will be made against the owners.