§ Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to implement the Convention of the Co-ordinating Advisory Committee on Oil Pollution of the Sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesFollowing the passing of the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1963, Her Majesty's Government have accepted the amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil, 1954, adopted by an international conference in 1962. But under Article XVI of the Convention the amendments cannot become effective until 12 months after the date on which two-thirds of the Convention countries have deposited acceptances with the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation. I understand that 10 countries out of 27 have accepted so far.