§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport what reply he made to the deputation from the Portsmouth area about the pollution by oil of the beaches in certain south coast resorts.
§ Mr. MarplesThe deputation, which was received on my behalf by the Joint Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chesham, was informed of the efforts being made internationally to prevent oil pollution, and of the Government's hope that a further International Conference, which will probably be held in" the spring of 1962, will result in agreement on further measures.
The deputation was also informed of the discussions which my Department is having with Harbour Authorities about measures for dealing with emergencies, such as the collision at Spithead last January, and of suggested arrangements for reporting patches of oil drifting towards the coast, which are being worked out.