HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 c33W
28. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will introduce spot checks on the ballast of tankers operating from British ports with a view to determining whether oil causing pollution around Orkney and Shetland is due to the discharge of ballast at sea.

Mr. Clinton Davis

This problem is best tackled by spot checks on tankers using Sullum Voe and Flotta, including checking oil record books and the condition of tanks as reported. One of the Department's surveyors shortly to be stationed in the Shetlands will carry out such checks. Attention has also been called to the illegality of discharging oily water in this area.