§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to prevent the spread of the parasite gyrodactylus salaris into United Kingdom rivers.
§ Lord DonoughueAt the request of the United Kingdom, a safeguard measure was adopted last year by the European Commission prohibiting the import into the UK and Ireland of all live salmonids and requiring all imported salmonid eggs to be disinfected. While the risk of introducing gyrodactylus salaris on angling equipment or clothing is very low, we also advise all those fishing abroad to ensure that any such equipment or clothing is either thoroughly dried or is disinfected before or on return to the UK.