§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there was a public health risk or any ecological damage caused by the sinking of the vessel Ardlough; and whether hazardous substances, including low-level radioactive materials, which were unaccounted for have since been recovered.
§ Mr. PortilloThe public health risk was small and no ecological damage has been caused by the sinking of the 'Ardlough'. None of the hazardous materials unaccounted for has since been recovered. I am advised that the cargo which has not been recovered including the radioactive material, does not pose a threat of pollution sufficient to justify further action.