HC Deb 22 June 1988 vol 135 cc602-3W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is investigating the effect of the poisonous algae on the marine ecosystem of the North sea and its effect on fish stocks; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he is investigating the causes of the presence of the poisonous algae found in the North sea; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[holding answer 21 June 1988]: The algal blooms to which I believe the hon. Member is referring occurred off Scandinavian coasts and in the eastern North sea. The causes and effects of this phenomenon are being investigated by the responsible authorities in the countries concerned. We are keeping closely in touch with the progress of this work.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will increase research funds to be made available for investigating the cause and effect of the poisonous algae in the North sea; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[holding answer 21 June 1988]: As indicated in my earlier reply the algal blooms which have occurred recently have not affected British waters. A substantial amount of research work on inputs into the North sea and their effects is already undertaken and there is no requirement for additional work on algal blooms to be given priority over other research activities related to the marine environment. The United Kingdom is contributing fully to the work of the scientific task force which is being established to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the North sea.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with Ministers of other Nordic countries about dealing with the poisonous algae in the North sea; what was discussed; whether any agreements were reached; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

[holding answer 21 June 1988]: An international scientific symposium has been convened by the Federal Republic of Germany to consider the growth of algae in the North sea and Baltic sea. This will take place on 23–24 June and representatives of the Governments concerned have been asked to participate; these are Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The United Kingdom is not directly involved, but we are sending an observer to this symposium and will be following the proceedings with interest and concern.