§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list in the form of an official report every outstanding technical problem which requires to be overcome before the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships can be fully implemented; and if, in relation to each such outstanding problem, he will outline the steps which his department proposes to take in order that it might be speedily overcome.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe principal problems concern the following
The development of suitable oil content meters and oil/water separating equipment in accordance with the specification now agreed;The provision of adequate port reception facilities for oil and chemical residues;715WThe relationship between Annexes I and II in so far as it affects petroleum product and clean oil tankers carrying certain chemicals, andThe discharge requirements for effluent containing certain noxious liquid substances.There are a number of technical points, both additional and related to the above problems, described in a paper which I have sent to the hon. Member.
The United Kingdom is doing all it can within its available resources to help in resolving these problems in consultation with other interests in this country, bilaterally and internationally under the agis of IMCO—as it did in helping to secure the coming into force of the important 1969 Amendments to the current 1954 Convention.