HC Deb 20 May 1976 vol 911 cc703-4W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the companies with which Warren Spring Laboratory is currently in contact concerning the development of anti-oil pollution devices and substances.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The Warren Spring Laboratory is in contact with 99 companies, but disclosure of the names of the companies would be a breach of company confidential information.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations have taken place between officials in his Department and the Spanish naval authorities concerning oil pollution caused by the tanker "Urquiola" at La Coruña; how many people are now in La Coruña under the auspices of, or paid for by, his Department; and if he will name them, indicating the name of their employers if other than his Department.

Mr. Les Huckfield

No consultations have taken place with the Spanish naval authorities. Mr. E. C. Wayment of the Warren Spring Laboratory is in La Coruna at the request of a United Kingdom supplier of oil dispersant kits and is advising the Spanish agent of the United Kingdom company. The cost of Mr. Wayment's services will be met by the company.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what assistance he will be able to offer to assist Oil Mop (UK) Limited, of Christchurch, Dorset, in the measures it has taken in despatching seven oil-mop machines, plus Scavengers, to La Coruña to help cope with the pollution from the "Urquiola"; and what further measures he envisages in developing its facilities.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The Warren Spring Laboratory has made available to the company, for use in La Coruña, an oil- mop system owned by the Department and a sea truck for deploying the system. The laboratory will continue to co-operate with the company in carrying out tests to evaluate the company's equipment. Offshore trials have been planned and will be undertaken in the near future.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what advice officials of his Department, and others, at the instigation of his Department currently in La Coruña, have tendered to the Spanish naval authorities concerning anti-pollution measures following the collision and explosion of the "Urquiola".

Mr. Les Huckfield

None.