§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure that dredging activities in the Wash will not affect local inshore fisheries. [19165]
§ Mr. BaldryMAFF will not agree to any aggregate dredging licence being issued unless it is satisfied that the interests of the marine environment and commercial fishing activities can be adequately protected. Current dredging operations near the Wash are subject to extensive conditions to minimise the effect of the operation including liaison arrangements and post-dredge surveys.
In addition, an extensive monitoring programme is being undertaken to assess the effects of the dredging.