§ 5. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he hopes to make a statement on his decision on penalties for those found guilty of emitting toxic substances into the North Sea.
§ The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 29th February.—[Vol. 832, c. 65–6.]
§ Mr. DalyellWhy cannot the Department make up its mind?
§ Mr. StodartBecause this is a matter which needs consultations with a great number of people. But if it is any consolation and reassurance to the hon. Gentleman, I can tell him that it is the Government's intention that the penalties should be high enough to be really deterrent. The idea is to have them in line with those for dumping offences on land.