§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has now received the findings of the research into the effects of Nuvan 500 EC undertaken by members of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries marine laboratory in Aberdeen; if he will place any publications or reports concerning this research in the Library; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has received the findings of the research into less-toxic or non-toxic alternatives to the pesticide Nuvan 500 EC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangA wide range of studies is being undertaken by DAFS, and other organisations, on the use and effects of Aquagard (formerly Nuvan 500 EC) and on possible alternative treatments for sea lice infestation of farmed salmon.
A report on the toxicity of Aquagard for other species has been prepared by DAFS scientists and will be published shortly. A copy of this report and any subsequent publications of work by DAFS scientists will be placed in the Library.
Work is in progress on identification and assessment of possible chemical alternatives to Aquagard. The work which is being partly funded by the salmon farming industry is not yet complete. I gave details of other work on other alternatives in my written replies to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 22 November.