HC Deb 03 July 1996 vol 280 cc445-6W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the effects of cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations on marine wildlife and habitats; [35463]

(2) what action is undertaken by his Department to ensure that cumulative discharges to the marine environment from offshore oil and gas installations do not damage marine wildlife and habitats. [35464]

Mr. Clappison

Most offshore oil installations are in Scottish waters. The Scottish Office marine laboratory carries out monitoring to assess the impact on the marine environment of discharges of oily water, oil contaminated drill cuttings and process chemicals. More generally, marine laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food maintain an extensive monitoring programme to identify any harmful effects of human activities on the marine environment. Information from both programmes is utilised by the Department of the Environment to assess the need for, and formulation of, national and international guidelines. Overall regulation of the offshore industry is by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish guidance on the implementation of the global programme of action on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities. [35465]

Mr. Clappison

The global programme of action for the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities reflects the approach already being adopted on this important issue throughout the United Kingdom, and by other estates in north-west Europe, in line with both North sea conference commitments and the requirements of the 1992 Paris convention—OSPAR. This provides a comprehensive framework for protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic from both sea-based and land-based activities. The UK guidance note on the fourth North sea conference was published yesterday; I believe that the publication of further guidance is unnecessary at this stage.

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the last 12 months in respect of the commitments given in the fourth North sea declaration agreed in Esbjerg, Denmark; and if he will make a statement. [35467]

Mr. Clappison

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Minister for Construction, Planning and Energy Efficiency to my hon. Friend the Member for Westbury (Mr. Faber)Official Report, column 400.