§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the anti-pollution measures available to be taken by his Department in the light of the recent grounding of the "Panther"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe anti-pollution measures organised by the Department are adequate to deal with the commonest types of oil spillages and to provide sufficient effort in the case of major disasters to keep the situation in check whilst additional resources are mobilised. We have 103W never claimed to be able to ensure that no oil will reach the beaches, but the action which we have taken in recent cases, including those of the "Pacific Glory". "Texaco Caribbean" and "Panther", has been successful in averting major coastal pollution.
§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will undertake a review of the law of salvage to ensure that tugs are not turned away by ships' captains when pollution of British beaches is threatened.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI shall be prepared to consider whether any action is possible to deal with unsatisfactory features of the law of salvage. However, the salvage of property on the high seas is in the nature of things an international matter. English law upon it is based not only on Act of Parliament but on many reiterated decisions, traditions and principles which are in keeping with general maritime law on the subject.