HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 cc385-6W
Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the details of the price paid for the blocks surrounding 211/21 by Shell/Esso in the fourth round of licences.

Mr. Emery

Shell/Esso paid £35,757 as the initial consideration for the four blocks concerned.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he is receiving about the dumping of debris and rubbish in the North Sea by the oil industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Emery

In 1972, the Scottish Trawler Federation made complaints about a number of obstructions on the sea bed said to have been caused by materials dumped from oil rigs. These complaints were investigated, but in no case could they be conclusively traced to oil operations. Licensees are required to take special precautions to prevent the dumping at sea of materials which can interfere with shipping and fishing operations.