§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade why he decided to authorise the use of chemical pollutants to disperse the oil spilled from the "Tarpenbek"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitIntermittent spraying using approved low-toxicity dispersants has been undertaken, after consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and with the Nature Conservancy Council, as the most effective means of dealing with the small quantities of light diesel oil that have escaped from the "Tarpenbek".
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade if there has been any contact between his department and Oil Recovery International of Christchurch, Dorset, concerning the oil spillage from the wrecked tanker "Tarpenbek"; if the company has been asked to supply its mechanical oil-mop device to clear the oil; and if he will list all the companies which have been asked to assist, or to provide equipment.
§ Mr. TebbitOil Recovery International and Star Offshore Services made contact with my Department offering the hire of their Force 7 Ocean System but it has not been judged appropriate to take up this offer in the present circumstances. As is known to those concerned, "oil 359W mop" devices can be useful very close inshore as an adjunct to beach cleaning, but they are not thought to be suitable for the open sea operations conducted by my Department. A substantial number of companies are providing supplies, equipment or assistance for the present operation.