Sonar 2087

Question Time — Scottish Executive — Education and Young People, Tourism, Culture and Sport – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:00 pm on 11 November 2004.

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Photo of Chris Ballance Chris Ballance Green 2:00, 11 November 2004

To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on marine wildlife tourism of the trials or use of Sonar 2087. (S2O-4016)

Photo of Patricia Ferguson Patricia Ferguson Labour

The Scottish Executive has made no assessment of the impact of type 2087 sonar on marine wildlife tourism. The testing or use of military sonar is a reserved matter that falls within the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. I understand that research by United Kingdom Government departments is on-going to investigate the effects of acoustic disturbance, including sonar, on marine wildlife.

Photo of Chris Ballance Chris Ballance Green

Marine wildlife tourism in Scotland is growing but is threatened directly by the development. When will the minister's department have an opinion and something to say to the UK?

Photo of Patricia Ferguson Patricia Ferguson Labour

The subject is a reserved matter, but I understand that there is no evidence that the system will have the effect that Mr Ballance claims. The Scottish Executive works closely with the UK Government on a range of matters. If we have cause for concern, we will take it up.