Written question asked by Lord Shipley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Friday, 3 February 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Shellfish: North East

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government why the expert panel appointed to investigate the cause of mass marine deaths between the River Tees and the River Esk did not take evidence from scientists who considered that the cause was industrial toxins, rather than natural algal toxins.

Answer: The Crustacean Mortality Expert Panel (CMEP) actively sought data and input from external scientists (including scientists from Universities) who have investigated this issue and did consider the evidence they provided. The scientists were invited to submit any evidence they thought relevant throughout the review period, including on industrial toxins. This evidence was shared with the independent expert panel to consider as part of their assessment and formed an active part of their consideration. The CMEP followed up with questions and communication via written correspondence.

Secondary information