To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to the use of any part of Lyme Bay as an offshore wind farm; and if he will make a statement.

[151156]

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to the use of any part of Lyme Bay as an offshore wind farm; and if he will make a statement.

[151156]

The debate is about a matter of unashamed local concern rather than major national concern, although it affects not only my constituents in West Dorset, but those of other hon. Members in nearby constituencies—one such Member is seeking to enter the debate and will do so when she chooses. The...

The debate is about a matter of unashamed local concern rather than major national concern, although it affects not only my constituents in West Dorset, but those of other hon. Members in nearby constituencies—one such Member is seeking to enter the debate and will do so when she chooses. The...

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and for representing that wonderful coastline. I, too, have received one of those bland letters in response to inquiries about the tankers. Dorset Wildlife Trust's head office is in my constituency, so I am here representing the views of my...

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and for representing that wonderful coastline. I, too, have received one of those bland letters in response to inquiries about the tankers. Dorset Wildlife Trust's head office is in my constituency, so I am here representing the views of my...

As I was saying, it is not just one process that is relied on to ensure that the protection and procedures that are needed are in place: there tends to be a multilayered or multifaceted process. The MCA is an important part of that process. I accept that there can...

As I was saying, it is not just one process that is relied on to ensure that the protection and procedures that are needed are in place: there tends to be a multilayered or multifaceted process. The MCA is an important part of that process. I accept that there can...

Does the Minister accept that the MCA's supervision of Lyme bay, although no doubt welcome, was already in place in the not-too-distant past when a minor disaster happened involving a cargo vessel, not a tanker? He will be fully aware of that. Does he accept therefore that it must be...

Does the Minister accept that the MCA's supervision of Lyme bay, although no doubt welcome, was already in place in the not-too-distant past when a minor disaster happened involving a cargo vessel, not a tanker? He will be fully aware of that. Does he accept therefore that it must be...

I was coming on to this. International guidance on the proximity of vessels to each other would provide cover in that regard. I will mention the role of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in maintaining and keeping a close eye on the necessary provisions in respect of ships at anchor...

I was coming on to this. International guidance on the proximity of vessels to each other would provide cover in that regard. I will mention the role of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in maintaining and keeping a close eye on the necessary provisions in respect of ships at anchor...

Does the Minister accept that what he has just said amounts to saying that, as things stand—I am not suggesting that this would occur at any time in the near future—if 100 large tankers decided to spend a year stationed outside Lyme bay, he would have no basis on which...

Does the Minister accept that what he has just said amounts to saying that, as things stand—I am not suggesting that this would occur at any time in the near future—if 100 large tankers decided to spend a year stationed outside Lyme bay, he would have no basis on which...

Before the right hon. Gentleman jumps to his feet, I will deal with the threat issue. There are a couple of points that I would make about Lyme bay. First, there are designated anchorages within the limits of Tor Bay harbour that are controlled by the harbour authority. They are...

Before the right hon. Gentleman jumps to his feet, I will deal with the threat issue. There are a couple of points that I would make about Lyme bay. First, there are designated anchorages within the limits of Tor Bay harbour that are controlled by the harbour authority. They are...

Will the Minister give way?

Will the Minister give way?

It is a privilege to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Mr. Bayley. I congratulate the right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) on securing this important debate. He said at the beginning of his speech that the matter does not affect everyone but that it is important. I...

It is a privilege to serve under your chairmanship this afternoon, Mr. Bayley. I congratulate the right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) on securing this important debate. He said at the beginning of his speech that the matter does not affect everyone but that it is important. I...

I am grateful to the hon. Lady, and a little envious that the headquarters of the Dorset Wildlife Trust is in her constituency. I must make a mental note to encourage that admirable organisation to move to my constituency. I accept entirely that she and I are actuated by the...

I am grateful to the hon. Lady, and a little envious that the headquarters of the Dorset Wildlife Trust is in her constituency. I must make a mental note to encourage that admirable organisation to move to my constituency. I accept entirely that she and I are actuated by the...

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on tankers (Lyme Bay).

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on tankers (Lyme Bay).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels have been inspected by the Marine and Coastguard Agency within the territorial waters of Lyme Bay in each of the last 10 years; and for what reason in each case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels have been inspected by the Marine and Coastguard Agency within the territorial waters of Lyme Bay in each of the last 10 years; and for what reason in each case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to protect the marine biodiversity of Lyme Bay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to protect the marine biodiversity of Lyme Bay.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many responses have so far been received to the consultation on measures to protect marine biodiversity interests in Lyme Bay from the impact of fishing with dredges and other towed gear.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many responses have so far been received to the consultation on measures to protect marine biodiversity interests in Lyme Bay from the impact of fishing with dredges and other towed gear.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new information they have received since August 2006 regarding the economic benefits of protecting the 60 square miles of Lyme Bay reefs from scallop dredging.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new information they have received since August 2006 regarding the economic benefits of protecting the 60 square miles of Lyme Bay reefs from scallop dredging.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new nature conservation information they have received since August 2006 regarding the need for protecting the full 60 square miles of the Lyme Bay reefs from scallop dredging.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What new nature conservation information they have received since August 2006 regarding the need for protecting the full 60 square miles of the Lyme Bay reefs from scallop dredging.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when he plans to introduce measures to protect the pink sea fan colonies of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement;

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when he plans to introduce measures to protect the pink sea fan colonies of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement;

(2) when he expects to make a long term decision on protecting the biodiversity of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement.

(2) when he expects to make a long term decision on protecting the biodiversity of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement.