British Gas Pipeline (Scotland-Northern Ireland)

HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 c772

14. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conditions the Health and Safety Executive requires to be satisfied before agreeing to the commissioning of the British Gas pipeline between Scotland and Northern Ireland. [10381]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

The Health and Safety Executive will need to be satisfied that Premier Transco Ltd. has properly assessed the risks to health and safety and fully meets the standards required.

Mr. Foulkes

But how was British Gas able to lay a pipeline along a route that the Ministry of Defence opposed? How did it have a prohibition notice lifted, in spite of the opposition of the Health and Safety Executive? What influence has British Gas in the corridors of power in Whitehall?

Mr. Jones

As the hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well, the route was moved in response to comments made about it. That is why it is north of where it was originally proposed.