HC Deb 27 June 1977 vol 934 cc24-5W
Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if, in view of the fact that shellfish have been caught in the Bristol Channel showing heavy lead deposits, he will institute a study of levels of pollution in the Bristol Channel;

(2) if, in view of the fact that fish have been caught in the Bristol Channel exhibiting heavy concentrations of lead and cadmium, he will institute a study of levels of pollution in the Bristol Channel.

Mr. Bishop

Fisheries Departments have for many years carried out a monitoring programme covering all British coastal waters to establish pollutant levels of lead, cadmium and other heavy metals in fish and shellfish. The data are supplied to the Working Party on the Monitoring of Foodstuffs for Heavy Metals, which has issued a number of reports, including surveys on lead and cadmium in food. These reports contain data and commentary relating to the Bristol Channel area. Copies of the reports are available in the Library of the House.

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