§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy guideline in respect of methane gas drilling and extraction near residential communities. [26518]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesGovernment policy on planning control over oil and gas operations is set out in Welsh Office circular 3/85—copies of which will be placed in the Library of the House—the annex to which makes clear that commercial and economic considerations are subject to the environmental acceptability of specific projects, as determined by the land use planning system and by other environmental controls.
§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take action to halt methane gas extraction at Cimla in Neath; and if he will make a statement. [26520]
§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on drilling for methane gas near Resolven, Neath; and if he will make a statement. [26519]
§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what environmental constraints he has placed upon Enron Oil in relation to its proposals to extract methane gas in neath. [26521]
§ Mr. JonesThe two appeals by Enron Oil determined in January 1996 were allowed with conditions. These conditions are intended to protect the environment and the amenity of residents. Copies of the decision letter, which sets out the conditions on which permission was given will be placed in the Library of the House. Enron Oil must also obtain a licence from the National Rivers Authority in respect of the disposal of water from its drilling operations.