§ Mr. EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to reply to the questions, tabled on 14 January, from the hon. Member for Ribble Valley, relating to the oil industry. [29248]
§ Mr. BattleThese questions were answered today. The delay in answering, for which I apologise, was caused by the need to discuss the question within the DTI and with other Government Departments.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what powers her Department has in relation to the seismic exploration for oil on the mainland where environmental damage has occurred, but where the exploration licence has expired; [23837]
102W(2) if she will list the occasions when her Department has used its powers against companies which have caused environmental damage during the seismic exploration for oil. [23835]
§ Mr. BattlePetroleum licences are granted under the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934. Neither this Act nor the Regulations made under it provide for the criminal prosecution or taking by the Secretary of State of civil action against a licence holder where environmental damage has been caused in the course of petroleum exploration, whether or not that licence is still in force. Where environmental damage on land results from activity which contravenes any environmental legislation, then it is for the appropriate body such as the Environment Agency or relevant local authority to take action.
However, where a licence is still in force, breaches of the terms and conditions may lead to its revocation. The President of the Board of Trade may also take any lack of efficiency and responsibility in operations under a licence into account in decisions about future petroleum licence awards.