§ 57. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Government Departments he co-operates with on matters of sea pollution, and oil spillage which threatens the coast line.
§ Mr. NobleWith the Department of the Environment and the Scottish and Welsh Offices on oil spillages which threaten the coast and on matters affecting local authorities; with the Ministry of Defence on communications, salvage questions and assistance from the armed forces; and with the Fisheries Departments on fisheries aspects of oil clearance and on scientific aspects of sea pollution generally. Other Departments and bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council are consulted as necessary.
§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases of oil spillage in the sea threatening the coast line or polluting the coast line have been reported to his Department in the last 12 months.
§ Mr. NobleThree hundred and twenty-two oil spillages, including those resulting from casualties and from observed discharges by ships, were reported in the year ended 31st May, 1971. Of these, 34 caused coastal pollution, 63 threatened pollution which did 9W not materialise, 206 were regarded as no threat and 19 proved not to be oil.