To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it is undertaking with external bodies regarding ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth. The Scottish Governmenthas discussed, with both Forth Ports plc and Scottish Natural Heritage, the completionof an appropriate assessment of proposals for ship-to-ship oil transfer in the Firthof Forth, including implications of the proposals for three Natura sites.In particular, I metwith Forth Ports’ representatives on 5 June 2007, when I was updated on their considerationof the proposals, and the First Minister met with Forth Ports’ representatives on31 July 2007, when he was informed of progress made bythe on-going appropriate assessment.