§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has completed his consideration of the application by Shell United Kingdom Limited, under the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Act 1975, for authorisation of a 36-inch gas pipeline from the Brent field to St. Fergus.
§ Mr. BennConsideration of this application has been a lengthy process since there are a number of important issues which have some bearing on this first ever application for the authorisation of a major submarine pipeline. One part of the route of this line has not yet been settled. In order to enable construction to begin this year I have decided to issue an authorisation for that part of the line which is not affected by any further possible changes of route.