§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department is undertaking to find environmentally acceptable treatments for sea lice on salmon farms.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythScientists at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory are currently undertaking or taking part in collaborative studies of ways of minimising release of dichlorvos (the active ingredient of Nuvan 500 EC) after bath treatment of fish, and on possible alternative chemical or vaccine treatments for sea lice infestation.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce stricter guidelines controlling the size, number and spacing of farm sites and the size and stocking density of production units in fish farms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWhen my right hon. and learned Friend announced the outcome of the review of the consultative procedures operated by the Crown Estate Commissioners on 19 December, he indicated that the Crown Estate Commissioners have been revising their guidelines for the siting and design of fish farms first 717W produced in 1987. I understand that a draft of this will shortly be the subject of consultation with interested parties. The Government have no plans to introduce separate guidance.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the frequency of inspections of fish farms and their effectiveness in control of the use of substances such as Nuvan 500 EC.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAdvice which may have a bearing on the use of Nuvan 500 EC may be given by veterinary practitioners who prescribe it for use in treating sea lice infestation.
Fish farms are subject to inspection, as and when appropriate, by officials of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's marine laboratory in relation to diseases of fish legislation as well as by river purification boards and the Health and Safety Executive in relation to their functions.