§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information respecting the use of separators or filters in vessels to ensure that bilge water discharged overboard shall be reasonably free from oil; whether an efficient form of separator is now available; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure its adoption in view of the continuation of complaints respecting oil pollution of the sea by discharge from ships?
§ Mr. O. BALDWINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take powers to require the use of separators in all oil-burning ships in order to prevent the slaughter of sea birds?
Mr. GRAHAMA number of types of efficient separators are on the market and some of them are in use on British vessels. The International Conference held at Washington in 1926 considered a proposal for the compulsory fitting of separators, but it was found impossible to secure international agreement to this. In these circumstances it is not proposed to provide for their compulsory use on British ships.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade what number of authorisations have been given by his Department in the present year for proceedings to be taken in respect of offences against the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922?