§ Mr. Mylesasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has received a report on the demonstration of the oil purse device for the containment of oil pollution which took place at Gardenstown harbour on Friday 27 November; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatGovernment experts were present at the small-scale demonstration and an assessment is being prepared. Preliminary indications are that the principle embodied in the device may have potential for the recovery of semi-solid oils at sea. The Warren Spring laboratory of the Department of Industry is conducting tests on the performance of the netting used with a range of oils at various tow speeds. The marine pollution control unit in my Department, and other interested Departments, will continue to keep in close touch with the developer about further tests of the device.