§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will(a) publish and (b) place in the Library all correspondence between his Department and Scottish Power and Northern Ireland Electricity on the route of the proposed electricity interconnector between Scotland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [8325]
§ Mr. SoamesIt is not our general practice to publish current correspondence between my Department and others.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further assessment he has made in respect of his Department's advice to Scottish Power and Northern Ireland Electricity on the route of the proposed electricity interconnector with regard to(a) problems with the British Gas pipeline and (b) the recent report by the British Geological Survey on explosions around Beaufort's dyke; and if he will make a statement. [8326]
§ Mr. SoamesFuture marine engineering work may proceed only once those proposing the work have shown that a thorough environmental survey, including risk analysis, has been conducted and have satisfied the responsible Government Departments and other authorities accordingly. My Department is consulted as necessary as part of this process.