§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will commission an independent assessment of the possible environmental damage from exploration for fossil fuels off the Lleyn peninsula.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 16 November 1992]: I have been asked to reply.
I am responding to this question in view of my ministerial responsibilities for oil and gas exploration licensing. It is the responsibility of the company holding the petroleum production licence to commission an environmental impact assessment if asked to do so in the special conditions attached to the licence. Hamilton Oil Company was awarded the two blocks north-west of the Lleyn peninsula in the 12th round of offshore oil and gas licensing. It will be required to produce such an assessment before development takes place on these blocks. The assessment will be copied to statutory bodies, such as the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, water authorities and mineral planning authorities, which will advise if the planned development is likely to have an adverse effect on the environment.