§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the life cycle in salt water of sewage dumped(a) in the firth of Clyde and (b) of the west coast of Scotland; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the health implications for fishermen fishing in the waters of the firth of Clyde of the dumping of sewage waste.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe only site in the firth of Clyde at which sewage sludge may be dumped under the terms of section 5 of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 is situated off Garroch head. Sewage sludge is an inert organic material which, through time, is dispersed by the natural action of the sea.
The Garroch head site is monitored annually by Strathclyde regional council and biennially by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland to assess the impact of sea disposal operations on the marine environment. There is no evidence to suggest that the site presents any hazard to the health of the public in general or to fishermen in particlar.