HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 cc272-3W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations he imposes on ships registered in United Kingdom ports or owned by British companies for the obligatory fitting of equipment that will burn combustible refuse when at sea and compress or bale non-burnable waste.

Mr. Onslow

I have at present no power to make regulations of this kind. The International Conference on Marine Pollution, to be held in London in October, is expected to agree upon proposals for dealing internationally with the problem of refuse disposal from ships and I shall consider after the conference what powers it would be appropriate for me to take to give effect to its recommendations.