§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage area of the United Kingdom is subject to regular seismic monitoring; if the south-east of England is so covered; and what information he has from the European Economic Community about the comparable practice in France.
§ Mr. TrippierThe whole of the United Kingdom is subject to continuous seismic monitoring, but monitoring stations are unevenly distributed. The sizes of events that can be detected and the quality of data from which the locations of events can be calculated vary as a result of that uneveness. The monitoring capacity is least well developed in south-east England and Northern Ireland. No information has been obtained by the Secretary of State from the European Economic Community on current practices in France.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what requests he has had from the British Geological Survey to finance seismic monitoring programmes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierThe BGS has requested contributions from my Department to the funding of its seismic monitoring programme several times in the last 10 years. As a result, a significant extension to the monitoring network was established in the midlands area and the current monitoring capacity has been maintained. My Department is currently discussing with BGS and other interests an improved network.