HC Deb 20 February 1989 vol 147 cc529-30W
Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the frequency and nature of contacts between his Ministry and North West Water in connection with the proposed construction of a long sea outfall from the Fylde coast.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Officials were informed of North West Water's work at an early stage. Before plans were drawn up MAFF was asked to provide information about fisheries in the Fylde coast area. After consultation with local fisheries organisations this information was provided with a view to seeking to ensure that interference with fisheries was avoided. MAFF has since sought from North West Water information about the possible locations of the discharge and the nature and likely effect of the effluent. The Ministry has now been formally consulted under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 on the proposed outfall.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his Ministry intends to obtain sufficient baseline ecological data to enable it to form a view as to the necessity for consent limits for the proposed long sea outfall for the Fylde coast.

Mr. Donald Thompson

My Department undertakes a continuing programme of routine monitoring of contaminant levels in fish and shellfish. In addition, information would be obtained, as appropriate, from work undertaken by other relevant organisations.

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