§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his latest estimate of the cost to: (a) central Government and (b) local authorities of dealing with the pollution caused by the "Eleni V"; how much has so far been recovered; and how much he expects to be able eventually to recover and from whom.
§ Mr. John SmithWhilst final costs are not yet known, it is estimated that the expenditure by central Government and the local authorities concerned in dealing with the bow section of the Greek tanker "Eleni V" and with the associated oil pollution of the sea and coastline will be of the order of £2½ million and £1 million respectively. It is not possible at this stage to identify separately that portion which arises solely from oil pollution clearance.
No claim has yet been made for the recovery of this expenditure which we expect to recover in full from the shipowner or his insurer, backed up as necessary by the CRISTAL scheme.