Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 February 1997. It was answered by Richard Page (Conservative) on Monday, 3 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: In what circumstances Shell will be permitted to (a) withdraw and (b) modify its Best Practicable Environmental Option statement on deep sea disposal of the Brent Spar.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances Shell will be permitted to (a) withdraw and (b) modify its best practicable environmental option statement on deep sea disposal of the Brent Spar. [12599] Mr. Page: The Government approved a programme for the deep-sea disposal of the Brent Spar in the north-east Atlantic. Shell has asked six contracting groups to develop detailed plans for 11 alternative decommissioning schemes for the Brent Spar. Any alternative solution will be judged against the approved best practicable environmental option of deep-sea disposal. Any new application must comply with the terms of the Petroleum Act 1987 and will need at least to satisfy those issues which demonstrated that deep-sea disposal was the BPEO. Only in these circumstances would the Government modify the programme previously approved.

Secondary information