§ Mr. AingerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what money his Department is making available for a comprehensive survey of seabird populations in Cardigan bay, St. George's channel and the Bristol channel before all drilling activity is permitted in these areas.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 10 June 1993]: The Department of Trade and Industry is a contributing member to the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee's "Seabirds at Sea" survey. Since 1990, phase 4 has investigated the seabird populations from the Irish sea to the Dover straits which includes the Cardigan bay, St. George's channel and Bristol channel areas. The Department's contribution to this phase is £32,000 annually.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans his Department has to carry out or support a survey of background levels of hydrocarbons in Cardigan bay, St. George's channel and the Bristol channel before any oil drilling is permitted.