HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc326-7W
Mr. Leigh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to prevent the spread of the parasite gyrodactylus salaris into United Kingdom rivers. [11474]

Mr. Morley

At 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. Although 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 disinfected before, or on return to the UK.

Mr. Leigh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has held with angling organisations regarding the possible spread of the parasite gyrodactylus salaris into United Kingdom rivers; and if he will make a statement. [11475]

Mr. Morley

Officials are in regular contact with a range of fishery organisations, including those with angling interests, and both they or I would be willing to discuss the action that we are taking to prevent the introduction of gyrodactylus salaris into the UK.

Mr. Leigh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has issued(a) generally, (b) to airports, port authorities and other points of entry to the United Kingdom and (c) to fishermen concerning the need to disinfect clothing and equipment when returning from abroad to prevent the spread of the parasite gyrodactylus salaris into United Kingdom rivers. [11476]

Mr. Morley

Advice is already contained in the Fisheries Department's booklet "Combating Fish Disease" which recommends all those fishing abroad to take precautions such as drying or disinfecting equipment to avoid the accidental spread of disease. Following the UK's success in achieving further EU safeguard measures to prevent the introduction of gyrodactylus salaris into the UK and Ireland, this advice is being reinforced by the issuing of specific leaflets.