§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the extent of oil pollution along the Kent coast resulting from the sinking of the tanker "Texaco Caribbean" and the German freighter "Brandenburg"; what will be the cost of cleaning the beaches; and how much of this will be recoverable as compensation from the owners of the vessels involved.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy Department has had reports from the local authorities of coastal pollution in varying degrees from Lydd to Broadstairs.
The cost of the beach-cleaning work which the authorities have put in hand has been estimated at about £3,000. The total cost will depend on the extent of clearance ultimately found to be necessary and on the methods used.
It is too early to say how much of this may be recoverable. Inquiries are proceeding and every effort will be made by the Government to secure compensation towards the cost of clearing the oil from whatever source is available.