Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has on whether algae, in the North sea, have given off significant quantities of dimethyl sulphide; and if he will make a statement on the next stage of the Natural Environment Research Council project on evaluating seasonal cycles in the North sea.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI understand that measurements of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) taken on NERC cruises as part of the NERC North sea community research project show a pronounced seasonal pattern. High levels of DMS in spring and summer, coinciding with the period of maximum algal activity, contrasted with low levels in the autumn/winter. Maximum DMS values in water occurred in April/May with high concentrations along the coast of France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. These results suggest that in the spring/summer the North sea algal production of DMS contributes at a rate equivalent to 25 per cent. of the rate for man-made emissions over Europe.
The 15-month NERC observational cruises programme in the North sea in now concluded. The next stage of the project involves detailed data analysis and interpretation, and the incorporation of data into models of the seasonal cycle of parameters in the North sea.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards compliance with the proposals made by the European Environment Commissioner on 29 November to clean up the North sea; and if he will estimate the likely cost of this programme to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. HowardThe hon. Member may be referring to a proposal published by the Commission last month for a directive concerning municipal waste water treatment. If adopted, this would establish, inter alia, minimum standards of treatment before disposal for sewage from populations above a certain size. It would apply to discharges to all inland and coastal waters across the European Community. No discussions have yet taken place within the Council of Ministers on the proposals. The Department has commissioned Consultants in Environmental Sciences Ltd to assess the likely impact, including the cost, of certain aspects of the proposals. Their report is due early in the new year, and a copy will be made available to the House.