HC Deb 23 January 1997 vol 288 cc709-10W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the President of the Board of Trade by what date he estimates environmental impact assessments will be required for all offshore oil and gas exploration and production projects. [12096]

Mr. Page

[holding answer 21 January 1997]: Holders of petroleum production licences already provide environmental impact assessments for offshore oil and gas production projects within 25 miles of the coast or in other sensitive areas. Similar assessments may be requested for exploration activities, where there are likely to be significant environmental impacts.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on matters relating to the environment contained in the Petroleum (Production) (Seaward Areas ) (Amendment) Regulations. [12100]

Mr. Page

[holding answer 21 January 1997]: The Petroleum (Production)(Seaward Areas)(Amendment) Regulations 1996 came into force on 16 December. They vary the terms and conditions of petroleum licences to reflect the nature of the acreage to be awarded in the 17th round.

The regulations also set out the information that must be submitted with an application for a production licence. These include a requirement that applicants for a production licence must provide a statement of the general environmental policy of the proposed operator under the licence applied for in respect of licensed activities offshore, and also information concerning his environmental management systems for the application of that policy.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if environmental impact assessments will be required for the 17th offshore oil and gas licensing round. [12099]

Mr. Page

[holding answer 21 January 1997]: Assessments are provided in respect of specific projects in specific locations. Projects carried out under petroleum production licences awarded in the 17th round will be subject to assessment where appropriate.