HC Deb 17 February 1938 vol 331 cc2099-100W
Major Carver

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long the League of Nations has had under consideration the solution of the problem caused by oil pollution of coastal waters; and when it is anticipated that international action will be suggested by the League to deal with this matter?

Viscount Cranborne

As my hon. Friend will be aware, in September, 1934, His Majesty's Government took the initiative in placing this matter on the agenda of the Assembly of the League of Nations. An expert committee was appointed which studied the matter and reported to the in agriculture and there is no reason to suppose that it is disadvantageous to the Agricultural Scheme. The Committee proposed that this course should be followed for at least five years, after which it would be possible to determine whether a detailed allocation of costs is desirable.