§ THE EARL OF CROMARTIEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the considerable importance to local interests, they will take steps to control the activities of companies involved in oil and related developments operating in areas close to the coast; and whether, in view of the fact that the area of responsibility of local planning authorities is limited by low water mark, they will take urgent steps to extend that area to the three-mile limit.
§ BARONESS YOUNGMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is considering, in conjunction with the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, whether additional steps need to be taken to enable adequate control of such activity to be exercised. If it does appear that they should, the noble Earl's suggestion will be borne in mind.