HC Deb 30 October 1996 vol 284 c122W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what biological and physiological parameters are monitored by his Department, in order to assess the cumulative impacts of discharges from offshore oil and gas installations on marine wildlife and habitats. [504]

Mr. Clappison

My Department, the Scottish Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food all maintain extensive programmes of marine monitoring, including the impact of human activities on the marine environment. In addition, the three country nature conservation agencies monitor the status of marine habitats and species in the United Kingdom waters. The Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for the overall regulation of the offshore oil and gas industry.