§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the Government are taking to protect the marine environment of the Atlantic frontier from contamination from oil drill cuttings and muds during current and future offshore oil exploration and production. [8988]
§ Mr. BattleWe are committed to reduce the discharge of oil-contaminated drill cuttings from offshore installations. From 1 January this year, an effective ban was imposed upon the discharge of these cuttings where oil-based mud is used. A phased reduction of discharges of most "synthetic" oil-based muds should result in their elimination from the UK continental shelf by the end of 2000.