Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 February 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: At what stage and on what date his Department was first consulted by the Department of Trade and Industry about Shell's wish to dispose of the Brent Spar at sea; and if he will place in the Library copies of the correspondence between the two Departments on this matter. - Inc fact that not the normal practice to publish material passing between Government Departments in the course of preparing advice for Ministers.

Answer: Mr. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment at what stage and on what date his Department was first consulted by the Department of Trade and Industry about Shell's wish to dispose of the Brent Spar at sea; and if he will place in the Library copies of the correspondence between the two Departments on this matter. [15651] Mr. Clappison: Discussions were held between Departments at various levels and in various contexts. My Department was involved from at least February 1994. It is not the normal practice to publish material passing between Government Departments in the course of preparing advice for Ministers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15651; 290 c667W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Decommissioning Correspondence Government departments Offshore structures Brent Spar Shell UK