HC Deb 31 October 1994 vol 248 c995W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the answer of the Secretary of State for the Environment of 25 October,Official Report, column 541, under what United Kingdom legislation he requires environmental assessments before giving consent in respect of the operation at any offshore oil or gas production installation within 25 miles of the coast or in environmentally sensitive areas more than 25 miles offshore.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Environmental assessments are required before consent is given in respect of the operations of any offshore oil and gas production installation within 25 miles of the coast or in environmentally sensitive areas beyond 25 miles by conditions incorporated into licences granted under the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934. Environmental assessments are not required for oil and gas exploration and appraisal.