§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he is taking(a) to identify the source of polychlorinated biphenyls recently found at high levels in cetaecan carcases washed up in Cardigan bay and (b) to eliminate polychlorinated biphenyls from the environment of Cardigan bay. [12410]
§ Mr. ClappisonLong use of PCBs before the ban of production and new use in this country in 1986 means that they still remain at detectable levels within flora and fauna through deposition and food chains in all areas. Investigations of contaminants in stranded cetaceans in Great Britain since 1990 have included 10 carcases at Cardigan bay in which levels of PCBs were comparatively high but similar to those found elsewhere.
Within further attempts to reduce and eliminate PCBs, the Government will be issuing an action plan very shortly, reflecting consultations on proposals to eliminate all identifiable holdings of PCBs by the end of 1999.