HC Deb 14 June 1978 vol 951 cc583-4W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received opposing the Shell-Esso proposal to construct a gas separation plant and ethane cracker at Moss Morran, Fife.

Mr. McElhone

Since my right hon. Friends letter of 29th March, which took account of representations received up to the time of the inquiry, he has received about 90 letters. This number includes a large proportion dealing only with matters which had been fully ventilated at the inquiry, and three from the local authorities indicating their satisfaction with the safeguards proposed.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in connection with adequate safeguards for the safe transport of liquefied energy gas to Moss Morran; and when he intends to announce the Governments reaction to the Shell-Esso proposals for Moss Morran.

Mr. McElhone

The transportation of liquid gas to Moss Morran is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. In a letter of 29th March to the parties to the inquiry into the Shell-Esso development, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland indicated that he was minded to approve the project, subject to conditions, but that he wished first to consider any representations which might be submitted to him on the issue of radio transmissions. He is not in a position to announce his decision until parties have had an opportunity to comment on those representations, which will be copied to them as soon as possible, and until he has considered any such comments.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an assurance that the additional evidence which has been submitted to him contained in the General Accounting Office report on the safety of liquefied energy gas will be taken into account before he decides on the merits of the Shell-Esso plan to construct a gas separation plant and ethane cracker at Moss Morran, Fife.

Mr. McElhone

My right hon. Friend has taken into account all the representations received by him up to the time of the inquiry, and in his letter of 29th March has intimated his readiness to consider others relating to radio transmissions.