§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, column 184, on environmental inspections of oil rigs, what were the costs in each year of the oil installation inspections; and if he will place copies of the reports in the Library. [7931]
§ Mr. PageAs stated in that reply, figures for the numbers of inspections are not available disproportionate cost. Therefore, the costs result of carrying out these inspections available.
As files are not available, and reports may contain commercially sensitive information, copies reports will not be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what type of oil spill containment and treatment is available, and within what time span, for spills or seepages that may occur near or at the North sea and north Atlantic oil and gas platforms and depots. [7893]
§ Mr. PageAll oil and gas operators are required to have an oil spill contingency plan approved by my Department. In areas which are within 25 miles of the coast or are otherwise environmentally sensitive a more stringent plan for each well may be required, as may be an environmental impact assessment. These requirements are the "essential elements" and form part of the licence conditions of certain blocks. Indicative conditions are available in the Library of the House.