§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on his plans for legislation applying the requirement to conduct environmental impact assessments under directive 85/337/EEC specifically to offshore oil and gas exploration, appraisal or production projects;
(2) in what way current United Kingdom legislation applies the requirement to conduct environmental impact assessments under directive 85/337/EEC specifically to offshore oil and gas exploration, appraisal or production projects.
§ Sir Paul Beresford[holding answers 24 October 1994]: Environmental assessments are required by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and 544W Industry before consent is given in respect of the operation of any offshore oil or gas production installation within 25 miles of the coast. In addition, beyond 25 miles, environmental assessments are required for production installations in environmentally sensitive areas identified in consultation with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.