§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research, prior to the signing of the UN law of the sea convention, his Department conducted into the effect on the fishing industry of the abandoning of offshore oil and gas installations. [28987]
§ Mr. JackThe Department has maintained for many years an active research and monitoring programme into the effects on fishing and the marine environment of contaminants and wastes of all sorts including oil and oil-related products.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is undertaking to record the positions of abandoned oil installations and oil related debris; what assessment his Department has made of the hazard to fishing vessels; and what consideration has been given to arranging for compensation for fishermen for(a) loss of or damage to their vessels or (b) loss of access to fishing grounds as a result of such abandonment. [28984]
§ Mr. JackIt is a requirement of the International Maritime Organisation guidelines and standards for the removal of offshore installations and structures that precise locations of any abandoned offshore installation should be notified to the hydrographic service for inclusion on nautical charts. It is Government policy to consider each abandonment proposal on a case-by-case basis. This will allow assessment of any hazards and include consultation with fishermen's organisations where appropriate. No special compensation arrangements have been made. Liability for any loss or damage consequent upon abandonment would remain with the companies concerned.