§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline his plans to safeguard the parts of the British fishing industry dependent on the North sea in respect of pollution caused by industrial waste, marine incineration, sewage sludge containers and waste substances.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Government's action plan for the protection of the North sea environment is contained in the ministerial declaration arising out of the North sea conference held in London in November 1987 and the guidance note on this declaration which was published in February of this year, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
73WMy Department makes a careful scientific examination of all applications to dispose of waste at sea to ensure that no pollution is caused by dumping, and a review of licences is now in hand to determine whether dumping can be replaced by practicable alternative disposal options on land. My fisheries research laboratory also gives scientific advice to water authorities on the implications for the marine environment of pipeline discharges.