§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the cause of the fractured pipe in a Royal Naval installation that led to the pollution of Dover Harbour by 900 tons of oil; and what assistance the Admiralty is giving to rid the harbour of the oil.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyMy information is that the loss of oil amounted to between 200 and 300 tons of which only a small quantity found its way into the harbour. An underground pipe developed a crack probably due to the movement of heavy equipment in the area during the preceding fortnight. The pipe was of cast iron and is now being replaced by a steel pipe. Floating booms have been laid in the inner camber to contain the oil within limited areas and the oil is being dealt with by means of chemicals. This work is being done by Admiralty officers.
I very much regret this occurrence and any inconvenience caused. I am satisfied that immediately the leakage was discovered all reasonable steps were taken to stop it and to minimise its effect.