§ Dr. A. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place with Premier Transco concerning the trenching or burying in traditional demersal fishing grounds of the proposed gas pipeline798W between Scotland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [16694]
§ Sir Hector MonroOfficials of the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department have been party to discussions involving Premier Transco, representatives of the local fishermen"s organisations and the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the issue of a DTI works authorisation for this proposed gas pipeline. I understand that Premier Transco has agreed to trench the proposed pipeline along its entire length and that in areas where trenching alone is regarded as insufficient, the pipeline will be covered with crushed rock profiled to reduce interference with fishing operations.