§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the detergents and dispersants so far supplied for use in the North Sea on the Ekofisk spill.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisHer Majesty's Government have not so far been requested by the Norweigian Government to send any of their resources for clearing the spill. A Warren Spring Laboratory vessel in the area for research purposes is equipped with approved dispersant, as are two vessels sent to the scene by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade which companies he has so far consulted on the provision of antipollution materials or services, following the Ekofisk affair; and if he will indicate 9W which of those consulted is already supplying goods and services.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisPrior to this incident my Department had consulted suppliers of approved concentrate dispersants on the availability of additional stocks in the event of a major emergency. Since this incident all major manufacturers have been consulted again to confirm the position. I shall send to the hon. Member the names of the manufacturers of the Department's existing stocks.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what systems, other than detergents, and dispersants are being considered for use as anti-pollutants in connection with the Ekofisk incident.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisMy Departments resources for combating oil at sea are based on dispersants, which have been proved to be effective in North Sea conditions. Warren Spring Laboratory is currently undertaking a two-year evaluation programme of the more promising oil containment and recovery equipment.