Pseudo Oil-based Drill Muds

HC Deb 29 June 1995 vol 262 cc746-7W

Mr. Dafis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what steps he has taken to assess the environmental effects of the use of pseudo oil-based drill muds by oil companies. [29935]

Mr. Eggar

Before any pseudo oil-based drill mud can be used it must be tested for its environmental effects in line with agreed Paris Commission protocols. On satisfactory completion of these laboratory tests, the POBM will be given provisional approval for use offshore. Samples will be requested from cuttings piles and the area around the piles to assess the POBM' s actual behaviour in the sea. If performance in these offshore tests is not acceptable, the provisional approval may be withdrawn.