HC Deb 25 May 1989 vol 153 cc686-7W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that the marine coastal pollution unit can exercise control over a harbour authority in the event of a major oil spill occurring within the harbour limits.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

In the event of an accident to or in a ship causing or threatening to cause oil pollution on a large scale in the United Kingdom or United Kingdom territorial waters—inluding harbour areas—the Secretary of State has extensive statutory powers of intervention which would enable the marine pollution control unit to direct and control clean-up operations.