§ 44. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the agreement just concluded between Great Britain and Japan for the import of large quantities of salmon from Japan to Great Britain, and in view of the fact that these salmon were caught and are being caught in Pacific Ocean waters where nuclear tests have been and are being made, what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to ensure that these salmon are not prejudicially affected by those tests in such a way as to make them dangerous as human food.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)I am advised that no nuclear tests have been undertaken near the Japanese salmon fisheries and that there is no risk of contamination of salmon from these fisheries.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the fall-out travels throughout the Pacific Ocean where these salmon were caught, and is it not his duty to take steps to prevent an epidemic of poisoning in this way? What steps is he taking?
§ Mr. HareI do not think the hon. and learned Gentleman could have heard my answer. There is no question that there need be any danger of contamination in the way that he suggested. This is based on sound scientific advice which I have received.