§ 39. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Power when he expects to be able to make a statement on the Government's proposals regarding future pipeline development.
§ 42. Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the recommendations of the Special Report of the Select Committee on the Esso Petroleum Company Bill and his Department's researches in the matter, he is in a position to make a statement about the need for more comprehensive legislation to cover the development of oil pipelines in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. GeorgeMy right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement in the very near future.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some very extensive pipeline projects are now being contemplated by private enterprise? In view of these developments, will he speed up the Government inquiry and, in the meantime, will he say whether or not his right hon. Friend is still opposed to the further promotion of these pipeline projects through Private Bills?
§ Mr. GeorgeRegarding the Question before the House, at the moment I can add nothing more useful than to say that a reply will be given in the very near future.
§ Mr. WarbeyAnd on the second point?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe second point is not covered by the Question.
§ Mr. SkeetAs my hon. Friend is conscious of the recommendations of the Select Committee and the need for speed in order to anticipate the requirements of the industry, when he comes to draft legislation will he take into account the wealth of experience available in the United States of America, where they have had legislation on this topic since 1887, and also the wealth of experience obtainable from the Continent of Europe?
§ Mr. GeorgeAs my hon. Friend will know, an investigation has been under way and is now complete. This has covered all aspects of the problem very fully.