HC Deb 27 June 1988 vol 136 cc80-1W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research has been conducted, or commissioned, by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland into the effects of Nuvan 500 EC on marine organisms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

[holding answer 16 June]: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory in Aberdeen has carried out an investigation into the toxicity of Nuvan to a number of marine organisms including neritic phytoplankton species, representative neritic copepod species, the larvae of the oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the larvae of the common lobster (Homarus vulgaris), the developing eggs of the prawn (Nephrops norvegicus) and to the early larvae of the herring (Clupea harengus). In addition, one dispersion study to simulate the treatment of 10 salmon rearing cages has been undertaken. Further work is planned in the current year.