§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has of the hazard to fishing vessels from the burning of toxic waste in ships on the North sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI have no evidence to indicate that the burning of toxic waste in ships on the North sea in accordance with the established rules poses any hazard to fishing vessels. There is only one internationally approved sea incineration site which is located in Dutch waters about 100 miles from the Netherlands coast and about 150 miles from the British coast. This site is out of the way of established shipping lanes and fishing grounds. Furthermore, incineration vessels are subject to controls to prevent incineration taking place within range of other vessels.