HC Deb 03 July 1986 vol 100 c644W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to receive the results of the examination by the Veterinary Affairs Investigation Centre into the deaths of Falkland Islands penguins; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Investigation by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's veterinary investigation centre at Norwich into the causes of death of 15 rockhopper penguins from the Falkland Islands indicates that the seabird disease Puffinosis and unusual]) high concentrations of lead in the birds' tissue were important contributory factors leading to the birds' emaciation and subsequent mortality. Further tests are being carried out to see whether other factors may also be involved.

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