§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the oil spillage between Aberdeen and Neuburgh; how many sea birds and mammals have been affected; and what resources are being made available to rescue animals. [7655]
§ Mr. NorrisI have been asked to reply. I have asked the chief executive of the Coastguard Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from C. J. Harris to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 January 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent Question about oil spillages between Aberdeen and Neuburgh and the affect on sea birds and mammals.PQ 5C/95/96On Sunday, 10 December, the Marine Pollution Control Unit was informed that oiled birds were coming ashore between Aberdeen and Neuburgh. About 25 guillemots were affected of which eleven were cleaned. The remaining thirteen either died or had to be destroyed. The Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals was responsible for collecting the oiled birds from the beaches. No sea mammals were affected. No oil was washed ashore or sighted at sea.