§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support work within the Oslo commission on the extension of the geographical coverage of the Oslo convention so as to include internal waters behind baseline with the aim of securing effective international surveillance over all dumping activities, and so as to expedite this work with the aim of reaching agreement in principle by 1 January 1988.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 24 November 1987]: Yes. This was a United Kingdom proposal.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in his review of his Department's research and development, he will make it his policy to give priority to the research programmes concerned with pollution of the North sea.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 24 November 1987]: This Department already accords a high priority to research work under its aquatic environment programme and the level of effort is kept under review.
§ Mr. GodmanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is conducting research into the build-up of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in the coastal waters of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 24 November 1987]:Such work is already in hand.