§ Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on whether the proposals for reducing pollution in the North sea include a sufficient reduction in heavy metal deposits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 9 July 1990]: I receive regular representations on the marine environment but these have not focused in particular on reduction of pollution by heavy metals. The second North sea conference agreed on a precautionary basis a target of 50 per cent. reductions 1985–95 in inputs via rivers and estuaries for the most dangerous substances, and the recent third conference in the Hague raised this target to 70 per cent. for four substances including mercury, cadmium and lead. The United Kingdom has since 1985 already achieved reductions of 31 per cent. and 22 per cent. discharges to the North sea of mercury and cadmium and these initiatives will help to achieve measurable improvements in North sea water quality.