§ Mr. Garrettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate the outbreak of mussel disease on the cast coast of England; and if he will make an early statement.
§ Mr. HoyOn being informed of the outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning in Newcastle, the Department's officers immediately instituted intensive investigations, in conjunction with the public health laboratory service, which confirmed that the illness was due to a toxin in mussels from the area. Further widespread investigations established that mussels, cockles and scollops between St. Andrews and Bridlington were affected. The results of the investigations have been notified at each stage to the health authorities concerned.
Our scientists are continuing to monitor the east coast of England north of the Thames estuary; similar checks are being carried out in Scotland. They will continue to maintain close liaison with the health authorities.
The poisoning results from the consumption of mussels which have absorbed large quantities of microscopic marine plant (dinoflagellates) which in certain conditions, very rare in Europe, can produce a harmful toxin. The Ministry's laboratory is carrying out, in co-operation with University Departments and others concerned, detailed studies into all the marine aspects of the occurrence.