§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What information they have solicited or received from the Greek Government concerning any inquiry that may have been held in Greece concerning the "Christos Bitas" pollution incident, whether charges have been brought, and if so, with what result.
§ Lord TrefgarneThe Greek tanker "Christos Bitas" grounded off the coast of South Wales on 12th October 1978. Responsibility for the conduct of shipping casualty inquiries rests primarily with flag states and the Greek authorities commenced a public inquiry in Piraeus on 13th February 1979, in which the United Kingdom participated.
The investigating court gave its judgment on 24th September 1979 in a published report. A copy of the court's report was sent to the Department of Trade and I am arranging for a translation to be placed in the Library. It is understood that the Greek Authorities are contemplating proceedings arising from the findings of the Court of Inquiry, but charges have not yet been brought.