§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the environmental impact of the Atlantic frontier development; and on what evidence this assessment has been made. [2430]
§ Mr. BattleAn assessment of environmental impact and a shoreline sensitivity study were carried out by BP in relation to its applications for consent to develop the Foinaven and Schiehallion discoveries. In addition, the largest offshore environmental study ever undertaken in UK waters was carried out to the west of Shetland on behalf of a group of oil companies by the Southhampton Oceanography Centre. An area the size of Wales was surveyed and much valuable information was acquired. The results of this work provide baseline environmental data as part of the work companies must do to satisfy Government environmental requirements.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has in respect of further development at the Atlantic frontier; and if she will make a statement. [2431]
§ Mr. BattleTwo developments have already been approved in the Atlantic Margin: the Foinaven and Schiehallion fields operated by BP. Other discoveries are identified in the "Energy Report 1997", a copy of which 419W is available in the Library. My Department will continue to consider proposals of further development in this oil and gas province which respect the environmental sensitivities of the area and the interests of the other sea users.