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 a Best Practicable Environmental Option would be required for the decommissioning of the Brent Spar outside the United Kingdom; and what authorisation his Department would be required to give in order to permit the decommissioning outside the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Taylor: To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances a best practicable environmental option would be required for the decommissioning of the Brent Spar outside the United Kingdom; and what authorisation his Department would be required to give in order to permit the decommissioning outside the United Kingdom. [12611] Mr. Page: while the Brent Spar remains an installation for which the United Kingdom accepts responsibility internationally, its owners and operators are required by section 1 of the Petroleum Act 1987 to obtain the approval of an abandonment programme for its disposal. Under the agreement with Norway under which the Brent Spar is parked in Norwegian waters, the United Kingdom retains responsibility for the installation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12611; 289 c508W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Decommissioning Environment protection Offshore structures Norway Brent Spar Shell UK