Baku to Ceyhan Pipeline

HC Deb 11 February 2004 vol 417 cc1471-2W

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the environmental impact of the Baku to Ceyhan pipeline; and if she will make a statement. [153744]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

ECGD carried out a rigorous assessment of the environmental, social and human rights impacts of the BTC pipeline project in accordance with its Case Impact Analysis Process.

ECGD assessed the project using World Bank and EU environmental guidelines and standards. The Department studied over 11,000 pages of project documentation covering the environmental and social impacts; met with, and received comments from, interested third parties, including those arising out of ECGD's public disclosure procedure, and carried out a site visit. Independent environmental consultants were also employed to assess the project and assist in ECGD's analysis.