§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy on the abandonment of offshore oil and gas installations; how many representations he has received on the subject; and if he will make a statement. [28989]
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government's policy on the abandonment of offshore oil and gas installations is that the operators responsible should establish the best practicable environmental option in the light of a detailed case-by-case examination, thus complying with the United Kingdom's international commitments. My Department has received a few dozen representations, mainly about an individual case.