Mr. Hookyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have been held with fisheries organisations about the consequences of exploration for oil in the Western Approaches; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John A. Cunningham:Discussions on the effect oil exploration might have on fishing are held with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which has responsibility for fishing matters generally. I understand that the fisheries organisation chiefly concerned with the Western Approaches has recently written to that Department proposing preliminary 681W informal discussions at official level and that the proposal has been accepted.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have been held with organisations representing shipping interests about the consequences of exploration for oil in the Western Approaches.
§ Dr. John A. Cunningham:Discussions on the possible effect oil exploration might have on shipping are held with the Department of Trade which has responsibility for shipping generally. Under the terms of licences granted for any area of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf, licensees are required to carry out their operations in such a manner as not to Interfere unjustifiably with navigation. Licensees also have to obtain prior written consent of the Secretary of State for Trade before placing offshore installations on site; the Department of Trade consults shipping interests before reaching a decision on applications for such consent.