§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the co-ordinating arrangements with the Gulf states for dealing with the Gulf oil slick.
§ The Prime MinisterThe United Kingdom is maintaining close touch through diplomatic channels with the Gulf states affected, who are leading the response to the environmental damage that Iraq is inflicting on the region. The Government have responded promptly and positively to requests received from the Saudi Arabian Government for expert advice on oil pollution control and on the care of oiled birds and stand ready to respond to666W any further requests. The Government have stated their readiness to help to contribute to the response of the international community through such bodies as the European Communities and the United Nations Environment Programme and have called successfully in the OECD for commitment to action to improve the world's common response for the future to events of this kind.