Lord CHELWOODasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the weight of the salmon recently removed from the Thames at the West Thurrock Power Station; whether it was alive or dead, and if dead whether it had previously been frozen; and what conclusions may be drawn in terms of the prospect of the Thames becoming a fishable salmon river above and below tidal waters.
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, the weight of the salmon in question was over 8 lb. I am advised that it died shortly before it was taken from the Thames and had not been previously frozen. It is too early to say whether the Thames is likely once again to become a salmon river. However there has been a substantial improvement in the water quality and continuance of present measures will result in further improvement and we look forward to the day when the Thames will meet the environmental requirements of the salmon.
House adjourned at twenty-eight minutes past eight o'clock.