Mr. StephenRoss asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many retractable oil booms are now available around the coast of Great Britain; and whether he is satisfied that our harbours are now adequately protected.
§ Dr. GilbertI have been asked to reply.
Information about the availability of oil booms is not readily to hand since these may be held by various bodies—for example, harbour authorities, local authorities, and oil terminal operators. I regard it as a matter for harbour authorities to satisfy themselves about the most suitable methods for securing adequate protection of their harbours in the event of oil pollution.