Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Transport what progress has now been made towards the prevention of the discharge of oily sludge into the sea since the announcement of leading British oil companies that they would now co-operate in this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesThe arrangements recently announced by leading British oil companies are clearly of great importance and I hope that they will bring about a considerable reduction in pollution of the sea by oil. I am keeping 169W in close touch with the oil companies and with the shipping industry about the proposals and I shall do whatever I can to help. Any international implications of the proposals will be for the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization to consider.