§ 68. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Transport the source of the oil pollution on the western beaches of Pembrokeshire.
Mr. BraithwaiteA sample of the oil is now being analysed by the Government chemist. When the Report is ready I will send a copy to the hon. Member though he will appreciate that, though this will establish the nature of the oil it is unlikely to be conclusive as to its source.
There are a number of war-time wrecks off this coast and they are a possible source of pollution.
§ 72. Mr. H. Johnsonasked the Minister of Transport whether he will, in order to prevent the pollution by oil of beaches around the coasts of Great Britain, promote legislation to make it compulsory for all ships, deep sea or coastal, carrying oil cargoes or oil as bunker fuel to be equipped with efficient and approved oily water separators which must be used on every occasion when oily water is being discharged.
Mr. BraithwaiteAs I informed the House on 16th May, the Ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of this problem. We hope shortly to be in a position to discuss the matter with representatives of the shipping industry with a view to seeing what further practical measures can be taken to deal with the matter, and the suggestion made by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.