HL Deb 23 February 1987 vol 485 c86WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the airborne surveillance systems referred to by Mr. Michael Spicer in the Commons on 3rd December (H.C. Deb., col. 680) are being evaluated only as detectors of oil and other noxious liquids spills or whether they are capable of detecting infringements of national or international rules, including those governing fishing and navigation.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

The systems were acquired primarily for the control and direction of counter pollution operations during a major oil spill incident at sea. They are currently being evaluated as a possible detector of illegal discharges of oil and chemicals by ships in contravention of national and international rules. The equipment is not suitable for use in connection with fishing or navigation infringements.