HC Deb 27 February 2003 vol 400 cc687-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reason the whole Irish Sea scallop fishery has been closed. [94151]

Ms Blears

I am advised by the Food Standards Agency, which has responsibility for monitoring shellfisheries for the presence of algal biotoxins as required under EC Directive 91/492, that closures of scallop fisheries are based on sample test results above the statutory limit.