HC Deb 14 February 1989 vol 147 cc186-7W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken to deal with the increasing appearance of pathogens resistant to the natural disinfectant action of sea water.

Mr. Moynihan

I am not aware of any evidence to suggest that the number of pathogens entering the sea, which are resistant to natural disinfectant processes, is increasing. If the hon. Member has any information on the subject she might wish to send it to me.

The Department continues to sponsor research to investigate the survival of human pathogens from sewage effluent in sea water.

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on pollution of the sea by plastics.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Discarded plastic at sea is a serious hazard to marine life, affecting seabirds, fish and mammals. The United Kingdom Government are committed to help prevent it. New regulations introduced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport under the Merchant Shipping Act make it an offence to throw plastic overboard from any ship or boat. These regulations give effect in the United Kingdom to annex V of the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships, 1973 and are being extensively publicised. Litter left on beaches or carried by rivers also contributes to this problem which everyone can help to tackle.