§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has conducted into the possibility of smoke pollution from the Gulf reaching the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierA note by the Meteorological Office on possible environmental consequences of burning oil wells in Kuwait was placed in the Library of the House on 17 January by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. It contains no suggestion that smoke from Gulf oil fires would reach the United Kingdom. The Meteorological Office is continuing to refine its assessment, in consultation with the Department.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what preparations were made before 28 January by his Department to deal with any major environmental consequences of the conflict in the Gulf; on which dates each of these preparations was made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeseltineI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.