§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the consequences for tourism in south Devon of the holing of the supertanker Rosebay and subsequent oil pollution; and if he will make a statement as to the current condition of the tourist beaches.
§ Mr. NichollsDue to prompt action by local authorities, the Department of Transport and the local tourism industry, the tourist areas affected by oil pollution were completely cleared within a week. I understand, however, that there has been a slight decline in new holiday bookings in the area. Some of this decline may be attributable to inaccurate media comment about the extent of pollution. Nevertheless, I am confident that the area's excellent reputation for clean beaches will soon be restored.