HC Deb 15 March 1991 vol 187 cc717-8W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department has carried out any assessment of the total world market for oil spill recovery equipment and technology and of where the United Kingdom ranks in that market.

Mr. Leigh

No such study has been undertaken by my Department. However, one of my Department's executive agencies, Warren Spring laboratory, offers advice and expertise on oil spill clean up to the public and the private sectors. As far as specific opportunities are concerned, I see it as primarily for companies in this sector to assess these themselves and respond accordingly. Clearly, in the present situation the opportunities are significant.