§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the quantity and quality of detergents held by local authorities to combat oil pollution on beaches and at sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have no reason to doubt that coastal local authorities are satisfied their reserves of detergent are adequate for use where amenity considerations are paramount or where there are no special fishery or nature conservancy interests. The advice of fisheries 307W and nature conservancy experts is available to coastal authorities in this connection.
§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has commissioned into detergent of low toxicity to control oil pollution which will not kill marine life and vegetation; to what extent such detergent is available; and at what cost, to local authorities.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe major producers of detergents are engaged continuously on such research work. The Warren Spring Labaratory of the Department of Trade and Industry in liaison with the Fisheries Research Laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food keep in close touch with current research, checking on effectiveness for pollution clearance and for toxicity. To date, a total of 160 dispersants have been tested. Low toxicity detergents are available to local authorities at short notice at costs ranging from 37½p to 65p per gallon depending on quantities ordered and delivery requirements.