HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1712-3
43. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what experiments are being carried out to ascertain the effect that exposure to quantities of oil and detergent has on the health of fish and shellfish.

Mr. Hoy

A series of experiments is being made to establish the toxicity of both oils and detergents, and of mixtures of these substances, to molluscs and crustacea and a report will be published in due course.

These experiments are being confined to shellfish, particularly those of commercial importance, since earlier work shows that, although fish are similary affected if they are kept in an artificially confined area with these substances, in natural conditions they escape from polluted waters and do not suffer appreciable damage.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some responsible scientists are concerned about this following the appearance of some rather unpleasant mutations among those plankton which have survived? Will he make sure that resources are available so that a close watch can be kept into the situation about fish as well as shellfish?

Mr. Hoy

Considerable work is being done by the Ministry's own shellfish laboratory at Burnham on Crouch, and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, which I visited a week or two ago, is also working on this. It will be seen, therefore, that a great amount of work is taking place. Indeed, it had gone on previously, and it was because of the research carried out by our people at Burnham on Crouch that we were well prepared to deal with the problems created by the "Torrey Canyon".

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is still anxiety about the contents of the "Torrey Canyon"? Can he give the House an absolute assurance that there is no oil in the ship?

Mr. Hoy

What oil remains in the "Torrey Canyon" has nothing to do with this Question. All I can say is that we have taken every possible step to deal with it.

Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there have been complaints from Cornwall about the effect of the detergents? As far as I know, there have been none.

Mr. Hoy

I think that the hon. Gentleman may be largely right. I went to Cornwall two or three weeks ago, and i think that they are grateful for all that has been done in clearing the beaches. We then had to consider, however, what effect the detergents might have on the sea life, and I am happy to say that we did not receive any answer to our inquiries which would give ground for any real concern to the whole industry.

Mr. Buck

Can the hon. Gentleman say how his Answer is applicable to oysters? I understand that he indicated that crustaceans were able to get out of their natural position in natural water. How does this apply to oysters? What is the effect of oil on them?

Mr. Hoy

I can tell the hon. Gentleman what happened to the oysters. Steps were taken to protect the oyster beds, and the oyster fishermen are grateful for what we have done. I am sure that if the hon. Gentleman thinks about this, he will realise that it is not a laughing matter. It concerns the livelihood of many people, and we took steps to protect it.