HC Deb 01 December 1988 vol 142 c329W
Mr. Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure fishing is practicable in the North sea once gas and oil installations are abandoned.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The Government have taken the necessary powers in the Petroleum Act 1987 to control the abandonment of oil and gas installations. The fishing industry is being consulted on the measures to be included in abandonment programmes; it will also be consulted by the operators in the compilation of abandonment programmes for individual installations, and by Government after such programmes have been submitted to them. I shall certainly ensure that the interests of fishermen are taken fully into account before final decisions on each programme are taken.

Mr. Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the fishing industry over proposed air combat training ranges in the North sea; and when he expects to make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

My Department has consulted the fishing industry over a proposal to construct an air combat training range in the North sea. The industry's views will be taken fully into account when the Government decide whether the construction of the range can be approved.