§ Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in view of the number of shipping accidents, he is satisfied with the arrangements for ensuring immediate and effective remedial action in the event of an oil tanker colliding or running aground in the English Channel; and if he will make a statement on the facilities available.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisSince 1971 collisions and strandings in the Dover Strait have shown an encouraging decline, and there have been no cases of major oil pollution in the English Channel from marine casualties. A wide range of facilities for pollution clearance and search and rescue operations is available along the South Coast; and a standing committee on pollution clearance at sea, including representatives of oil and shipping companies, has recently been established to advise on the adequacy of the clearance facilities around the United Kingdom coast in the light of the risks involved.