§ 33. Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he is planning in controls over discharges from ships in British coastal waters.
§ Mr. David MitchellThere will be changes when annex V of the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships enters into force on 31 December, 1988, when new restrictions will be placed upon the discharge of garbage into the sea. My officials are consulting the industry before I lay subordinate legislation before the House. Other recent changes in controls have come about as a consequence of decisions at the second North sea conference held in London last year. Subsequently airborne surveillance of our coastal waters, in particular for oil discharges, was increased, and new arrangements set up to ensure ships suspected of violations are visited by marine surveyors when they enter not only United Kingdom ports, but ports in Europe.