Holyrood has already had the opportunity to investigate environmental problems brought about by the sea cage salmon industry in Scottish coastal waters (Government accused of blocking ban on toxic loch pesticide, News, June 18). In February 2000, Petition No PE96, which was supported by hundreds of organisations and individuals worldwide, asked for an independent objective inquiry into the environmental impact of the industry. It was accepted by the Scottish Parliament and after discussion it agreed to hold such an inquiry. Unfortunately following a year of considerable private debate a “rolling inquiry”, which was neither independent nor objective, was held.

No credible conclusions were produced and the petition's main claims of the dismissed. As elsewhere in the world, where the industry has been allowed to develop in coastal waters, it has proved to be a gross polluter, causing terrible damage to other interests.

Scotland has it’s own Parliament, and sadly has so far been unable to protect our seas from exploitation. The industry which is largely foreign-owned has more power over the politicians than we comprehend. There is little likelihood of independence and objectivity when the industry and its suppliers control the science worldwide.

Allan W Berry

Blairgowrie