HC Deb 11 July 1988 vol 137 cc21-2W
Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies he is undertaking or commissioning into the effects of pollution in the Scottish coastal waters; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 28 June 1988]: The Scottish Office is currently funding research, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, into the effects of contaminants in waste deposited at sea, the incidence of fish diseases from dumping operations and the possible effects of mariculture on the environment resulting from the addition of nutrients and specific chemicals to water.

Research on local marine pollution matters is normally carried out by the river purification boards which are statutorily responsible for promoting the cleanliness of coastal waters in Scotland.