§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the results of his inquiry into the disease that is destroying life in and over the seas around British coasts, and in particular fish and wild fowl, seals and seabirds in the south-west of England.
§ Mr. FowlerThere is no evidence of any mysterious disease. Investigations into the deaths of sea birds and seals have been co-ordinated by the Natural Environment Research Council which falls within my right hon. Friend's responsibility. They have held two meetings of all the scientists concerned with the seabird incident. Abnormal deaths of seabirds were confined to one species (Guillemots) in the northern Irish Sea and Clyde area over the period mid-September to mid-October. No single factor has been identified as being responsible. Neither fish nor wild fowl nor any other marine organism was affected.
The Seals Research Unit of N.E.R.C. have also investigated deaths of the Seals in Cornwall with the help of M.A.F.F. Veterinary Investigation Officers. None of the evidence available indicates any cause of death other than starvation with subsequent secondary infections. This is a major cause of pup death in all seal colonies, often associated with bad weather conditions.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations have been received from the United Nations authorities on the 133W subject of the death of seabirds and seals off the British coast.
§ Mr. FowlerNo representations have been received from the United Nations Authorities on this subject.