§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to on what advice or research work, with respect to disease and parasite control stocking density and site separation, the Crown Estate Commissioners have based their revised guidelines for the siting and design of fish farms.
§ Mr. Lawson[holding answer 14 March 1989]: In preparing revised guidelines on fish farming the Crown Estate Commissioners have drawn on a wide range of experience and research. Guidelines on the siting and 384W design of marine fish farms in Scotland were published in 1987 following consultation with the relevant departments, agencies and interest groups. Further experience and commissioned research provide the basis now for an expansion of the locational framework and the advice on operating standards. One of the most important elements is the distance between fish farms and the indicative standards recommended in the guidelines reflect the range of expert opinion.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to which interested parties are being consulted over the Crown Estate Commissioners' revised guidelines for the siting and design of marine fish farms.
§ Mr. Lawson[holding answer 14 March 1989]: The Crown Estate Commissioners have consulted the following bodies with a draft of their development strategy and area guidelines:
- Scottish Office Departments
- Highlands and Islands Development Board
- Countryside Commission for Scotland
- Nature Conservancy Council
- Relevant Planning Authorities
- National Farmers Union of Scotland
- Scottish Salmon Growers Association
- Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers