11.   The British government has faced international criticism for giving Shell permission to sink the platform northwest of Scotland.

12.   Dealers at Panmure Gordon said the decision not to sink the platform did not have implications for company finances.

13.   Duncan said he did not know how long the postponement would last, but indicated Shell had not changed its mind about sinking the platform.

14.   There have been nationwide protests in Germany against the plans to sink the platform.

15.   Leader of the British House of Commons Tony Newton, speaking on behalf of Major Thursday said sinking the platform was still the most environmentally friendly solution.

16.   Officials of several European countries sided with Greenpeace and urged Shell not to sink the platform.

17.   Some of the strongest pressure for Shell to scrap its plans to sink the platform came from the German government and public.

18.   The measure will take effect in five weeks, but the states which voted in favour banned their own countries from sinking the platforms immediately.