§ 9. Sir Julian Ridsdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the extent to which the European Community directive on the quality required of shellfish waters is being complied with in European Economic Community countries.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe implementation of the directive in other member States is not a matter for my right hon. Friend. In the United Kingdom we have designated 27 shellfish areas under the directive. The directive is concerned only with the quality of waters, both estuarial and coastal, and to that end seeks to ensure that designated waters provide a suitable habitat for shellfish. It is not a public health measure and sets standards that are not relevant to those that would be needed for the protection of consumers.
§ Sir Julian RidsdaleDoes my hon. Friend believe that the directive is really necessary? Can he allay the feats of fishermen in non-designated areas that the directive is working against them?
§ Mr. ShawI can give that assurance. The directive does not bear on the marketing of shellfish. Neither my right hon. Friend nor I are aware of discrimination against the sale of shellfish from non-designated areas. We are satisfied that the shellfish can continue to be marketed, provided that they meet the local health authority requirements.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettHas the directive made any difference to the possibility of designating marine nature reserves? Is that why the Government have failed to designate any, even though 12 months have passed since we fully debated the matter on the Wildlife and Countryside Bill?