Dr. Bennettasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the latest reports on the heavy discharge of oil into the sea by the Japanese tanker "Tokuyo Marti" off the Scilly Isles outside territorial waters; what harm has been done so far; whether he will ask the Navy to attempt to deal with the oil; and what steps he as taking to secure effective control of such discharges.
§ Mr. MasonH.M. Coastguard have reported that there are now no signs of oil in the area and that no harm has been caused so far. In these circumstances the third part of the question does not arise. My right hon. Friend has recently intensified his efforts to prevent discharges of oil near our coasts. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has made representations to the Japanese Embassy who have said in reply that the Japanese Government were already making inquiries and have asked for additional information.