HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 c116W
106. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

asked the Minister of Transport what measures he adopts to prevent the discharging of oil fuel waste into Southampton Water.

Mr. Barnes

The discharge of oil into British territorial waters is prohibited by the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922, which also provides that, if an offence is committed in or in relation to the waters of a harbour, proceedings may only be taken by the harbour authority. I understand that the Southampton Harbour Board are prepared to prosecute whenever adequate evidence is obtained of an offence under this Act, and that, from time to time, they distribute circulars warning all concerned of the provisions of the Act and seeking their co-operation in keeping Southampton Water free of pollution.