§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to his answer to the hon. Member for South Shields of 4 December, if he will list the competent international organisations which have agreed that (1) harsh waters from the synthesis of intal; (2) aqueous residues from preparation of paracetemol; and (3) salt solution from manufacture of 0-tolex-bighamicle cause no harm to the marine environment under the terms of article XVI(a) of the ministerial declaration of the second international conference of the protection of the North sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe ministerial declaration provides for a country to show to the competent international organisation that a waste causes no harm in the marine environment. It has been agreed that the Oslo Commission is the competent international organisation for this purpose, and the Oslo Commission has agreed an appropriate procedure to be followed. The Government have initiated the procedure and, as required by it, are currently in touch with other countries.