This fine morning our correspondents question the sustainability of the Scottish salmon industry, defend the renewable energy sector, call for police bonuses to be cut, highlight the dangers of washing raw meat prior to cooking, call for a heating fuel regulator and complain about a housing association’s ‘extravagance’.
Is Scottish salmon farming truly sustainable? Sir, Your report (January 21) detailing the stinging attack on the UK Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon, by the Scottish Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, over his comments on the Scottish salmon farming industry, behoves some assurances and confirmation by the latter.
Can Ms Cunningham confirm that only salmon of Scottish origin are used in the industry and that no fish of Norwegian or other exotic source are used for rearing and, therefore, there is no danger of genetic contamination should there be an escape of caged fish?
Can the minister assure us that prior to the formation of the Scottish fish farming industry that a full ecological impact study on the harvesting of fodder fish species was carried out and it showed no major biological effects on the ecosystems concerned?
Will such an impact study be carried out prior to any future expansion of the industry in Scotland?
Finally, can Ms Cunningham confirm that the soya protein that also features in fishmeal was harvested using production techniques that did not result from tropical forest destruction and does not contain genetically modified soya?
If the minister answers in the negative or declines to answer can, we take it that Richard Benyon was correct?
Ron Greer.Armoury House,Blair Atholl.
Embrace renewables
Sir, There has been a proliferation of letters published in this column lately that are critical of renewable energy sources, while championing the nuclear option.
I find it difficult to take these seriously. The bulk of the arguments used are specious at best and do not stand up to the most cursory of scrutiny.
The bottom line is that we need a secure energy source, free of international interference, that will last us long into the future.
As there are no sources of fuel for nuclear plants within the British Isles, we would remain hostages to the power-politics and economics of other countries and corporations as far as maintaining supplies in the short-term.
In addition, it was recently calculated that there were only about 40 years of accessible uranium left at current levels of usage.
Obviously, a proliferation of new nuclear plants would shorten that timespan markedly. What are we to do then?
We need to embrace renewables now and invest heavily in them in order to maintain the power supply long into the future.
To go for the short-sighted nuclear quick fix instead would be madness of a quite unforgivable nature.
Stuart Allan.8 Nelson Street,Dundee.
Police should cut all bonuses
Sir, It was interesting to read your report (January 21) that Fife Police intend to save £580,000 by trimming bonuses in the next year.
It would be interesting to be advised of the total figure spent on bonuses.
We are all aware of the public reaction to bankers’ bonuses. While this is not on the same scale, the police have also jumped on the bandwagon.
This £580,000 saving could provide 20 additional officers at the sharp end half of the proposed cuts of 42 personnel.
This money is from the public funds and the public should be getting full value for their money, not having it squandered on needless bonuses.
Jack Harley.9 Mackie Crescent,Markinch.
Dangers of washing food
Sir, (Capt) T. R. Willis is incorrect in his assertion that chicken should be washed before cooking (January 21).
The official advice from the Food Standards Agency (www.eatwell.gov.uk/keepingfoodsafe/preparing/) states, “Don’t wash raw meat before cooking it. Washing does not get rid of harmful bacteria the only way to do this is by cooking food thoroughly.
“If you wash raw meat or fish, you also run the risk of splashing bacteria on to worktops and utensils.”
Ken MacDonald.Bankhead,Arbirlot,Arbroath.
Action needed on heating price
Sir, I applaud The Courier’s proposals for a fuel-duty regulator, but why is everyone concentrating on fuel for motor vehicles?
In November I bought 500 litres of central heating fuel oil. The bill came to £280. About six weeks later, I took another delivery of the same amount, 500 litres and the cost had jumped to £360.
That is a 29% increase at the coldest time of the year when we are using most fuel
When living on a pension, this means that other things have to be forgone just to keep the house warm.
The oil companies are cashing in on our climate by putting such huge increases in place at the coldest time of the year. Let’s have a central heating fuel regulator as well.
(Captain) Ian McRae.17 Broomwell Gardens,Monikie.
Unwarranted extravagance
Sir, I had always been under the impression that the function of housing associations was to provide affordable housing.
Having recently driven past the new headquarters building of Hillcrest Housing Association in Explorer Road, Dundee, incidentally at 7.30pm, when the building seemed deserted but all lights were blazing, I can only assume that their focus has changed.
I wonder how much of our that is taxpayers’ money was wasted on this folly and how many affordable houses might have been built instead?
John Henderson.Roebrek,Linross,Glamis.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.