§ 38. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what communications he has had from the various sections of the fishing industry regarding the damage to trawling gear caused by the activities of oil companies in the North Sea, particularly regarding the fouling of nets upon fixed pipelines on the sea bed; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BuchanI have received representations about damage in the vicinity of North Sea oil operations, though not about the fouling of nets on pipelines.
My Department maintains liaison with United Kingdom offshore oil operators to minimise the possibility of damage to fishing gear from oil drilling and associated operations.