HL Deb 15 February 1978 vol 388 cc1503-4WA
Lord DUNLEATH

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whose responsibility it is to stem the emergence of oil from a sunken trawler off the coast of Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, and what action they propose to take to prevent a further increase in size of the resultant oil slick which has already cost the lives of many thousands of sea birds.

Lord ORAM

The primary responsibility for stopping the pollution from this sunken vessel rests with its owner. Following a survey to determine how best to proceed, the Department of Trade, by agreement with him, will put remedial measures in hand, in order to protect the public and wildlife interests.