§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what restrictions have already been applied to the maximum depth at which industrial dredging can be conducted; and what guidelines he has issued.
§ Mr. Lawson[holding answer 18 July 1988]: No general guidelines have been issued by the Crown Estate Commissioners. Each licence application is dealt with on a site-by-site basis. A maximum dredging depth will be imposed in the light of scientific advice in order to ensure that the surface of the seabed remains fundamentally the same as it was before dredging commenced.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what restrictions have already been applied to ban the discharge of fine material from industrial dredgers if adjacent shellfish or spawning grounds might be blanketed; and what guidelines he has issued.
§ Mr. Lawson[holding answer 18 July 1988]: No general guidelines have been issued by the Crown Estate Commissioners, but the screening on board of dredged material is strictly controlled, especially where dredging takes place close to fishing grounds. Appropriate conditions will be contained in the licence granted by the Crown Estate Commission.