§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to prevent further pollution of the North Sea, which is so important to the British fishing industry.]
EARL. ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, there is no evidence that, apart from some local damage in estuaries and coastal waters, fish stocks have been affected by existing levels of pollution. A close check is maintained by the Ministry of 777 Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the possible effects of pollution on fish stocks; and the Government are playing an active role in international discussions on marine pollution.
§ LORD HOYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him whether he is aware of the report in the Financial Times of October 28 by their Oslo correspondent, pointing out the ever-increasing danger of pollution in this area? As it is a matter of great importance to ourselves as well as to our EFTA partners, will Her Majesty's Government consider raising this question at the next meeting of EFTA?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I do not know whether the noble Lord is aware that the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations are holding a World Conference on Marine Pollution and its Effects on Living Resources and Fishing. This conference is taking place this month, and Her Majesty's Government will be fully represented in those discussions.
§ LORD HOYMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for that Answer. May I ask him whether he would consider British interests in this respect? These fishing grounds are of tremendous importance to the British fishing industry. The livelihood of many people in this country depends on them, so they are of particular importance. May I say that I am not ungrateful for the other conference that is to be held.
EARL ST. ALDWYNYes, my Lords; I can assure the noble Lord that Her Majesty's Government are most conscious of potential dangers here and are keeping a very close eye on them.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, as my noble friend has said, there has been some pollution in coastal waters. Can he say whether any serious damage has been done to lobster and crab fisheries, which are very important in the North-East?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, to the best of my knowledge there has been some slight damage, but nothing material.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that Governments of all kinds invariably give the answer that there is yet no evidence of dangerous pollution? May I ask the noble Earl 778 whether he will again talk to his right honourable friends, and say, "We do not want' no evidence of pollution'. We want no pollution at all"? May I further ask him whether he will perhaps ensure that in the debate to-morrow something more can be said on this particular matter?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, certainly I will draw my noble friend's attention to what the noble Lord has said and if anything further can be said tomorrow I will see that that is done.