§ Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement concerning the overflow of fuel oil from the depot at Padworth in Berkshire on Saturday, 14th June.
§ Mr. FreesonA light petroleum product was being transferred from a pipeline into storage at Padworth Site when a mistake was made in the operation of a valve. About 300 tons of the product was released into the Site's drainage system and some overflowed into a nearby stream. Concerted action by the Ministry's Agents at the Site, the Police, Fire Service and the River and Water authorities averted pollution of the nearby River Kennet and thus any threat to Reading's water supply. Damage to property in the area proved to be small. An investigation is being carried out by the Ministry's engineers.