HC Deb 14 July 1976 vol 915 c169W
Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has completed his consideration of the application by Shell United Kingdom Limited, under the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Act 1975, for authorisation of a 36-inch gas pipeline from the Brent field to St. Fergus.

Mr. Benn

Consideration of this application has been a lengthy process since there are a number of important issues which have some bearing on this first ever application for the authorisation of a major submarine pipeline. One part of the route of this line has not yet been settled. In order to enable construction to begin this year I have decided to issue an authorisation for that part of the line which is not affected by any further possible changes of route.