Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 July 1996. It was answered by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 July 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he will undertake a study to determine the safety and effectiveness of the extended water re-use system compared to conventional farming methods.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will undertake a study to determine the safety and effectiveness of the extended water re-use system compared to conventional farming methods.[37475] Mr. Baldry: I am not aware of any significant commercial advantage or public health benefit from extending beyond one month the period during which seawater may be reused in the purification of shellfish. We therefore have no plans to undertake studies to determine the safety and effectiveness of re-using seawater for extended periods, although we remain ready to evaluate any evidence of safety and effectiveness that independent researchers produce.

Secondary information