§ 70. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many prosecutions took place last year arising out of pollution of the sea by oil; if he is aware that the pollution of some beaches is as bad now as it has ever been, and that bathers and their clothes are covered with oil; and if he will take further steps to prevent this by making it compulsory for all oilburning and oil-carrying vessels to have separators installed.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe answers to the three parts of this Question are as follows. First—46; second—I am aware of the recent outbreak of oil pollution of some of our beaches and I greatly regret this deterioration in an otherwise improved situation; third—those dry-cargo ships registered in the United Kingdom which use their bunker fuel tanks for ballast water are required to be fitted with oily-water separators as from 1st July next. The extension of this requirement to other classes of ships is not necessary because other steps are taken to avoid pollution.
§ 75. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the renewal of oil pollution in Southampton Water in early May; and what steps are being taken to trace those responsible.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs I said in my Answer to my hon. Friend, the Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett) on 21st May, the evidence is that the oil came from a tanker of foreign flag. I understand that the Southampton Harbour Board will take proceedings against the master of the ship when he returns to this country.