§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to provide compensation for owners of private beaches damaged by seaborne oil pollution where this results in loss of business from visitors to the seaside.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWhilst I recognise the financial problems that such oil pollution can cause, the insurance funds provided by tanker owners and the oil industry are the most appropriate source of compensation in this instance. Beach owners can, of course, take out their own insurance against such accidents.