§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to receive the report of the Health and Safety Executive on the hazard evaluation of the proposed Shell-Esso pipeline from Aberdeenshire to Fife; and if he will publish the report when he receives it and before any decision is announced.
Dr. J. Dickson-MabonI understand from the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that discussions are currently being held between the Health and Safety Executive and the developer and that provided all the necessary information is made available they expect to be in a position to submit the report to me within the next three months or so.
The primary object of the report is to assist me and certain local authorities in an assessment of any hazards that might be associated with the pipelines. I will consider the question of publication with the local authorities concerned.