The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally)
My Lords, there is time for both sides. Perhaps we can hear first from the noble Viscount, Lord Hanworth.
Viscount Hanworth
My Lords, an example of extreme folly is the manner in which we are allowing petroleum companies to pursue the exploration of oil and gas in the Arctic as the reduction of ice cover renders this more practical. Can the Minister tell us what steps, if any, the Government are taking to restrain such activities?