§ Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what official investigations have been made into the death of large numbers of birds off the west coast of Scotland during the past few weeks ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe Natural Environment Research Council are coordinating extensive investigations into the death of seabirds. Most of the deaths (about 8,000 birds) occurred in Northern Ireland and South-West Scotland between 20th and 30th September. About 1,000 dead birds were noted in Anglesey in mid-October. The total number of deaths in all regions over the whole period was probably about 10,000. Latest reports indicate that the casualty rate has now declined considerably. Well over30W 90 per cent. were guillemots and other members of the auk family. There was no evidence that seals, fish or other marine life were affected. The incident was probably the result of many factors. Investigations being carried out by research institutes of the N.E.R.C. and government liboratories comprise postmortem analyses of birds including tests for viruses, bacteria and toxic residues, and sampling of sea-water, fish and other marine life in the areas concerned. The Council will issue a further statement when significant new information becomes available.
I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the press notice issued by the Council following the meeting they held on 24th October with Government Departments and other bodies concerned.