---

Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Inspections etc.) Regulations 2012

My Lords, having read through these regulations and the Explanatory Memorandum, I find that most of my questions have been answered. I had not thought of the point about Scotland which has just been raised by the noble Lord, Lord Oxburgh, and I note that the Explanatory Memorandum states that this procedure fulfils the Hampton principles. I would like to be clear on that. The Explanatory Memorandum stated that this would require only one person for three days a week, and that that would probably be the same person who inspected oilfields. Does that mean that the regulatory authority is the same as the one that looks at oilfields, or is it a separate authority that uses someone from the other authority? It is important to understand what the Government's proposals are in that area. I was also slightly surprised to see that there had been no consultation. Perhaps this is a minor area but it is always quite useful to learn from industry, and the directive will be three years old in April. My other question perhaps falls outside the scope of the order. Is the safety of pipelines or other means of transport to the storage area covered by the directive or is it covered elsewhere? I would have thought that that was potentially more risky than the storage itself. Although carbon dioxide is not directly dangerous, if it excludes oxygen or air, it can cause death through overconcentration. Lastly, I would like to get an understanding from the Minister. Inspection regimes are all very well, and the UK has a very high standard of inspection in these areas. What does he see as the smart areas of inspection of carbon dioxide storage? What are the things that will need to be looked at? Leakages are an obvious answer, but what work will go on to make sure that the inspectorate is active and forward-looking, and that it makes sure that problems do not arise rather than fixes them after they have arisen?