HC Deb 17 March 2004 vol 419 c287W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation has been undertaken by her Department and the Export Credits Guarantee Department on the Sakhalin II phase 2 oil and gas project in relation to its potential impacts upon the Western Gray Whale. [158234]

Mr. Morley

I have discussed the Sakhalin II project, particularly in relation to its potential impacts upon the Western Gray Whale population, with the Minister for Trade and Investment, Mike O'Brien.

The Export Credit Guarantee Department has consulted with the Sakhalin Energy Group at all stages of the project application. In addition, ECGD officials have met and corresponded with a range of stakeholders and NGO's from both Sakhalin and the UK. Defra has been kept informed of these consultations.