§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make funds available for marine biologists to carry out independent assessments of the environmental impacts of the offshore oil and gas industry, separate to those commissioned by the industry itself. [31696]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe offshore industry is required to carry out various environmental studies as part of the processes for approval of offshore activities. Information from such studies is reviewed by marine scientists at the relevant fisheries departments responsible for assessing the impact of the offshore industry on the marine environment.