HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc292-3W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken to identify the vessel responsible for the oil pollution in the English channel.

Mr. Portillo

Samples of beached oil and contaminated bird feathers have been obtained from various locations along the south coast. These are being analysed by the Laboratory of the Government chemist to try to determine in the first instance whether the pollution stemmed from a single incident or a series of incidents, and the precise nature of the oil involved. Whether or not further action will be possible will depend on the results obtained.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the patrol patterns of the anti-oil pollution aircraft over the Christmas and new year holiday periods.

Mr. Portillo

Anti-oil-pollution aerial surveillance patrols took place over the North sea on 24 and 31 December, and over the English Channel on 27 December, 30 December and 5 January.