To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department's marine biology laboratories at Lowestoft have analysed the effects on the Gulf coral reefs of reduced exposure to sunlight arising from the extensive oil slicks in the Gulf.

The expertise and scientific programme of my Department's marine laboratory at Lowestoft are focused on the environmental conditions of our own waters. However, Britain is participating fully in the international effort to tackle the pollution in the Gulf, and my scientists stand ready to provide advice as necessary from within their areas of competence and experience.