§ 16. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the damage caused to fish and shell fish by the "Torrey Canyon" oil.
§ Mr. PeartThere have been no discernible effects on fish in the open sea. Close inshore and on beaches where oil pollution was severe and large quantities of detergents have been used, fish living on the edge of the sea, such as sandeels, have been killed, but only a very few dead lobsters and crabs have been found. There has been no appreciable damage to commercial fisheries, but scientists will continue to monitor the area to assess any long-term effects on marine life.
§ Mr. WallI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that comprehensive Reply. 519 Is he aware that there is some anxiety about the effect of detergents, which in time will fall to the seabed, on plankton and fish spawn? Will he keep that carefully under review?
§ Mr. PeartYes, Sir. The hon. Gentleman has rightly drawn attention to a matter which could be important. We have this in mind.
§ Mr. BakerThe right hon. Gentleman mentioned lobsters and crabs. What about the effect on nephrops generally?
§ Mr. PeartI think that my Answer, which was fully comprehensive, showed that there is little cause for anxiety. Nevertheless, I am still anxious, for the reasons which his hon. Friend mentioned and for others, that we should watch this carefully.