§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if the two sites for testing anti-fouling paint on the Yealm and in the Salcombe estuary have been licensed by Her Majesty's Government; and whether the companies are required to report the chemicals which they are using;
(2) if, in the light of the effect on fisheries of anti-fouling paints, he will take steps to require future trials of paint to take place away from coastal sites; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe two sites for testing anti-fouling paints on the Yealm and in the Salcombe estuary are not currently licensed by Her Majesty's Government. The130W companies concerned are not currently required to report the chemicals being tested. However, from 1 July such facilities and the activities carried out at them will be subject to the provisions of part III of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985. The detailed arrangements for regulating such sites, including their location and operation, are still under consideration but it is intended that all the relevant factors will be taken into account.