§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to take action to control the use of tributyltin used by fishing boats; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe use, sale, supply, advertisement or storage of tributyltin (TBT) paint for use on vessels under 25 m or on fish and shellfish farming equipment was made an offence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 as from 1 July 1987. This ban covers more than 98 per cent. of the United Kingdom fishing fleet. The United Kingdom is playing a leading role in international discussions of the need for further controls to limit TBT contamination from, for example, dry dock operations and larger vessels.