HC Deb 17 June 1988 vol 135 cc347-8W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies he has conducted as to the effects of industrial dredging on fish life and breeding grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Applications to dredge are carefully considered by Ministry scientists in order to ensure that extraction does not seriously damage fishery resources including breeding grounds.

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has held with his European Economic Community colleagues as to the effects of industrial dredging upon fish stocks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

None. The primary international forum for consideration of the effects on fisheries of marine sand and gravel extraction is the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, in whose discussions Ministry scientists participate with representatives of other EC countries.

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what studies he has conducted as to the effects of industrial dredging on the seabed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr.Gummer

In considering applications to dredge, the Ministry assesses the nature, depth and extent of deposits, if necessary by conducting surveys. Controls can then be applied to ensure that the nature of the sediment is not changed by dredging, thus allowing recolonisation once dredging operations have ceased.