§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what steps have been taken to clean up the oil spilled into the river Severn on 1 March 1990; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what impact the oil spilled into the river Severn on 1 March 1990 will have on the surrounding environment and wildlife, especially migratory birds returning to Wales for the summer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristWe are advised by the National Rivers Authority that the majority of the oil spilled was contained on site and removed by the company concerned. Inspections of the river Severn have shown only very minor contamination and there were no adverse effects on water quality. There has been some contamination of vegetation on the river banks. The spillage occurred before the return of migratory birds, but the authority has taken steps to minimise any effect on endemic and migratory wildlife.