Oil Pollution (Hansard, 2 August 1978)

§ Mr. Dell

We have now carried out a critical re-examination of our contingency arrangements for dealing with oil pollution with the help of all the Departments and Services concerned. I am placing copies of the resulting reports by an interdepartmental working group and steering group in the Library. Copies will also be available from the Vote Office.

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The existing arrangements provide for a limited capability for dispersing oil spills at sea, which are generally of a modest size; it is not intended to cater for the worst possible case. These arrangements were introduced in 1970; they were later reviewed and confirmed, as reported to the House on 28th July 1977. During that time they were activated in nine substantial incidents which were within this capability. But the amount of oil spilled in the "Amoco Cadiz" disaster this year greatly exceeded the combined Anglo-French capability, and the heavy fuel oil carried by the "Eleni V", although much smaller in quantity, proved to be a type of oil against which known dispersants have only limited effects.

In the light of this experience, the review finds that there is a case for an enhancement of the existing capability to reduce the risk of pollution. It confirms that a number of services must inevitably continue to be involved in dealing with pollution at sea, including my Department's Marine Survey Service and HM Coastguard, the Royal Navy and RAF. The steering group emphasises the important role played by the Ministry of Defence but recommends that it should not take over the lead role from the Department of Trade. It recommends, however, a reinforcement of the Department's organisation for dealing with pollution incidents and measures to improve communications.

The reports give priority to all possible measures to prevent accidents, including a continuing international drive against sub-standard ships. They point to the need to improve existing salvage procedures. They also emphasise the need for adequate beach cleaning arrangements.

The Government have accepted these recommendations and have instituted the following action:

(1) A new Contingencies Planning and Operations Unit will be set up as part of my Department's Marine Division with specific responsibilities for planning contingency arrangements and taking charge of operations to deal with pollution at sea. The head of the new unit will be selected as soon as possible. The qualifications will include experience at a senior level in maritime operational command, control and administration.
(2) Proposals are to be worked out for an increase in the existing capability for dealing with pollution at sea, with minimum harm to fisheries.
(3) There will be a joint exercise to establish how best to improve communications and take full advantage of the support facilities provided at the Joint Service Maritime Headquarters.
(4) A detailed review of salvage arrangements, including the resources available, is in hand.
(5) A review of liability and compensation will be instituted.
(6) A review of beach cleaning arrangements has been set in hand by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment in conjunction with the other Departments concerned and local authority representatives.

In considering the results of this work, the Government will also be glad to take account of the findings of the Select Committee on Science and Technology and the Select Committee on Expenditure, which are inquiring into aspects of the problem which comes within their purview, and I intend that the local authorities should be closely associated with the further work on all the issues of concern to them. The Government also hope at a later stage to have advice from the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

I must, however, emphasise the warning contained in the reports that no increase in resources can provide a guarantee against coastal pollution in the event of a major oil spillage. But I can assure the House that every practical precaution will be taken.