43. Dr. Bennettasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the oil spill that fouled Southampton Water and damaged vessels in the Hamble River on 12th May was caused by a failure to connect properly the hoses between a road tanker and an industrial plant on shore, and that the spillage was thereafter pumped into Southampton Water; and if he will now conduct the necessary inquiries and prosecutions.
§ Mr. MasonCareful inquiries by officials of the Board of Trade have failed to confirm the hon. and gallant Member's information. I have, however, written to him about other inquiries that are being made in an endeavour to establish the source of this pollution.