§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to limit damage to the marine environment from hormone-disrupting chemicals. [31924]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 2 March 1998]: The scientific evidence surrounding effects linked to hormone 5W disruption and the possible role of exposure to man-made chemicals in the environment is far from certain. We and other Government Departments are putting in place a coordinated research programme to address the uncertainties which will also address the marine environment.
At present the best example of chemical mediated hormone disruption is the masculinisation of female molluscs resulting in their inability to reproduce caused by exposure to tributyl tin (TBT). The Government have banned the use of TBT in fish farms and on vessels under 25 metres in length. Further international controls of use on larger vessels are being developed through the framework of the International Maritime Organisation. The need for controls on other chemicals currently suspected of hormone disruption will be pursued should research demonstrate that these are justified.
The Oslo and Paris Commissions have been developing an Objective and Strategy on Hazardous Substances which will identify priority hazardous substances in the marine environment for subsequent risk reduction programmes and measures. The UK is actively supporting the prioritisation of hormone disrupting chemicals in this exercise.