HC Deb 06 May 1970 vol 801 c131W
Mr. Pardoe

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many ships discharging oil have been positively identified by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy during the past 12 months; how many of these were British; in how many instances was legal action taken against them; and with what result.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts:

In the 12 months to 30th April, 1970, the Board of Trade received reports from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy identifying 26 ships apparently discharging oil. Fourteen of these were British. In no case subject to United Kingdom law was there sufficient evidence to justify a prosecution.