HC Deb 20 May 1976 vol 911 cc669-70W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the British manufacturers of anti-oil pollution detergents and dispersants with whom his Department is in contact or from whom stocks and supplies have been purchased for use in the event of an emergency oil spillage round the coasts of the British Isles.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Existing and future stocks are purchased from suppliers whose products have been successfully tested by the Warren Spring Laboratory of the Department of Industry and the Fisheries Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I am sending a list to the hon. Member.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade who has the responsibility for taking charge of emergency operations in the event of a major oil spillage in: (a) Southampton Water, (b) the East Solent, (c) the West Solent and (d) south of the Isle of Wight; and if he is fully satisfied with the likely effectiveness and speed of anti-pollution measures in the event of an emergency anywhere off the United Kingdom shore.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Contingency arrangements for dealing with major oil spills in Southampton Water and adjacent sea areas provide for the mobilisation of resources from various organisations under the general direction of the Department's principal officer at Southampton.

The contingency plans for all parts of the United Kingdom coast are kept under review and are exercised periodically to ensure their validity and effectiveness. They are modified in the light of lessons learned in exercises or incidents.

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