asked the Secretary of State for Trade to what standard he will expect licensees to restore the environment when removing redundant oil and gas platforms from United Kingdom offshore waters.

As a condition of the consent given to the erection on site of an oil or gas platform, the offshore operating company is required, when removing the platform, to clear the site to the satisfaction of my right hon. Friend within such period as he may direct, so that no obstruction or danger to navigation is caused or is likely to result.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he has taken to ensure that licensees have made sufficient financial provision to fulfil their obligations to remove oil and gas platforms when they eventually become redundant.

Although it is a condition of the consent given to the erection of an oil or gas platform that the company concerned is obliged to remove a platform which is abandoned or falls into disuse, it is for the company itself to decide what financial provision should be made in order to meet that obligation.