HC Deb 28 November 1986 vol 106 cc384-5W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to ensure that all production and drilling platforms under the United Kingdom's jurisdiction use the best available technology subject to considerations of the guiding discharge values agreed to internationally to prevent oil pollution; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

From the beginning of offshore oil and gas activity on the United Kingdom continental shelf it has been the policy of the Department of Energy that, in accordance with internationally agreed guidelines, the best practicable means would be used to control and reduce oil discharges.

The most relevant standard, agreed within the Paris Commission, is that water discharged after separation from produced oil should not contain more than 40 mg of oil per litre as a monthly average.

Operators are required to monitor oily discharges and to provide the results of their monitoring to the Department of Energy. The Department's inspectors visit installations to check that the required standards are met.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will appoint a responsible person on each drilling and production oil platform in the North sea within the United Kingdom's jurisdiction to monitor the pollution prevention equipment installed.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, section 4, requires the owner of every offshore installation to appoint an offshore installations manager (OIM) and to inform the Secretary of State of any such appointment. The OIM is responsible for all equipment on the installation and its operation. All discharges which might be oily are monitored on a regular basis and the results sent to the Department of Energy which checks for conformity with conditions set out under the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971.