§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has assessed the threat to the 297W coastline presented by Japanese seaweed, particularly on the Dorset coast; whether his Department is taking any steps to alleviate this; and if any research is being undertaken by his Department into this problem.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy Department has been sponsoring research into the growth, spread, threat and clearance of Japanese seaweed (Sargassum muticum) since 1975 and is consequently able to offer advice to any local or harbour authority which needs it. I am fully aware of this year's exceptional growth of the weed, particuluarly on the Dorset coast where, earlier this month, my Department's expert adviser attended a meeting of local, harbour and military authorities to discuss the best means of tackling the problem there.