North Sea Oil Production Platforms

HC Deb 27 May 1988 vol 134 cc349-50W

Mr. McLeish

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has given further consideration to the abandonment policy for North sea oil production platforms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Part I of the Petroleum Act 1987 provides a framework for regulating abandonment and the Government have also played an active part in the development of international guidelines and standards in the International Maritime Organisation. Abandonment of offshore installations on the United Kingdom continental shelf will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of all relevant factors including safety of navigation, fishing patterns, the protection of the marine environment, technical complexity and cost.