HC Deb 11 November 1970 vol 806 cc193-4W
Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether in view of the hazard to shipping and potential damage to the marine environment, he will instruct British Petroleum to rebury the pipeline, Easington/West Solefield, uncovered on the seabed of the North Sea.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Previous attempts to re-bury short uncovered sections have resulted in some damage to the concrete coating without achieving burial. Measures have been taken recently to stabilise the pipeline and I am awaiting a report on the survey findings. The line is marked on Admiralty charts with a warning against anchoring or trawling in the vicinity. I have no reason to believe that there is any danger to shipping as long as this warning is heeded.