HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 cc138-9W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the viability of zero-discharge oil platforms. [10483]

Mr. Page

My Department is supporting and co-operating in the research and development which is leading towards the reduction of emissions to the marine environment and to the atmosphere. The concept of a zero discharge platform is very difficult to put into practice but my Department is working to encourage the adoption of such arrangements where these are possible and likely to bring a real benefit to the environment.