§ 49. Mr. Boothasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made with local authorities for dealing with oil pollution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThere is now a series of interlocking schemes of organisation all round the coast. Early warning systems operating through the coastguard are working well. Authorities have made plans for helping each other in serious emergencies.
My right hon. Friend has followed up the circular he issued last year by another describing features of some authorities' schemes which other authorities may wish to incorporate in theirs.
A good deal remains to be done by way of training, exercises and the acquisition of equipment. The local authorities are turning their minds to these matters, having laid the foundations in their scheme.