§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will outline what research is being undertaken in respect of new methods to deal with oil spills; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe marine pollution control unit (MPCU) of the Department of Transport undertakes a continuing programme of counter-pollution research including new or improved methods of dealing with oil slicks. Research is currently being undertaken into the use of demulsifiers as a means of inhibiting formation of emulsions and promoting natural dispersion of oil; satellite remote sensing for the detection of oil slicks; techniques for cleaning oil from shingle beaches; the resources and methods required to clean different types of beach; and possible methods of cleaning contaminated salt marshes and mud flats.
These projects are part of the wider overall programme of progressive research into methods of dealing with oil and chemical spills which the MPCU has been 330W undertaking for a number of years at an annual cost of about £1 million. This has resulted in the successful development and introduction into service of aerial dispersant spraying techniques; a mechanical recovery system; increased identification and refinement of the correct techniques to apply in dealing with oil pollution at sea and on various types of shoreline; detailed knowledge of the behaviour of oil at sea; a straw baler machine which produces straw booms for use in protecting sensitive areas of coastline; aerial surveillance; and various information systems and manuals.
The results of the research are made available to relevant authorities in the United Kingdom and abroad as part of the United Kingdom's contribution to international co-operation in counter-pollution.