Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure the Rosebank oil field development in the North Sea does not damage marine habitats.

The environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas developments, including the likely impacts on marine habitats, are subject to rigorous regulatory assessment by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). This includes consultation with government nature protection bodies and with the public.

If required, OPRED can put in place conditions to protect marine habitats from significant impacts which may occur during preparatory work, installation and operation of the facilities.

The Environmental Statement for the Rosebank Field Development is currently being reviewed by OPRED and a decision will be published in due course.