§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what monitoring of the seabird population he is proposing as a result of the Sea Empress oil spill. [17863]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Countryside Council for Wales is conducting a study of the entire marine environment to monitor the effects of the Sea Empress oil spill. Monitoring of seabird populations is an important element of the study which will involve liaison with all of the interested agencies in the area. This will form part 587W of a comprehensive environmental monitoring and assessment programme for which my right hon. Friend has provided £250,000.