§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent research his Department has evaluated into the effects in the(a) short, (b) medium and (c) long-term on the health and welfare of flora and fauna arising from the accident involving the discharge of oil from the Sea Empress tanker in February. [8800]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansMy right hon. Friend has established the Sea Empress environmental evaluation committee to assess the environmental consequences of the oil spill. A research programme is being taken forward and a final report is expected in 1997.