asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has had any discussions with ministerial colleagues and others with a view to the establishment of a comprehensive plan to ensure that our beaches are cleared of oil and other pollution for the tourist season.
Written Answers. - Beach Anti-Pollution Measures.
54.
Local authorities have extensive powers to deal with oil and other pollution on beaches. In addition, my Department provide support in terms of both expertise and finance to local authorities when dealing with the clean-up of beaches affected by major oil spills. The most recent such spill arose from the Kowloon Bridge incident and I am reviewing existing arrangements in the light of the experience gained from that incident.
I wrote to each city and county manager on 2 March last asking them to again conduct local environment campaigns in 1988 and to give special attention to a number of problems, including the need for prompt clean-up activities at beaches and associated parking areas.