§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she collects to identify human health risks arising out of oil spillage incidents; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department of Health keeps under continual review the relevant scientific literature on chemicals which are likely to be harmful to human health. The Department is also able to seek advice from its expert advisory committees. Decisions on any necessary monitoring of food and the environment following an oil spillage incident are matters for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who would consult the Health Departments on health effects.