§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research has been undertaken into the possible health implications resulting from prolonged contact with algae connected with eutrophication.
§ Mr Heathcoat-AmoryI have been asked to reply.
The Natural Environment Research Council is sponsoring research at its institute of freshwater ecology and at higher education institutions including the university of Dundee, into the basic biology of algae and the formation of algal toxins. The aquatic weeds research unit of the Agriculture and Food Research Council is studying factors that determine the build-up of algae and possible methods of control.
The National Rivers Authority has established a task force of experts to study the factors which influence the formation of algal blooms and to make recommendations upon their control. As part of this exercise the NRA has engaged the water research centre to make a full literature search and review.