§ 54. Mr. Callaghanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that faulty naval installations are responsible for the film of oil covering parts of Portland Harbour; and, as this is an offence under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, what steps he is taking to prevent further leakages.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThere has been a small leakage of diesel oil into Balaclava Bay, and this has been spead by variable winds and the spring tides. All naval oil mains are now being examined and I expect to have a special report on the situation quite shortly. I shall inform the hon. Member and my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, South (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) of any developments.