VISITING LNG facilities overseas was a unique learning experience' according to Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.

He made the comment after being criticised for his October trip to Qatar, which was paid for by South Hook LNG.

Stephen was accompanied on the 48-hour trip by Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies and the pair attended the annual natural gas conference and went on a tour of the QatarGas north field development.

They also met the British ambassador and attended meetings to speak to some of the world's leading energy experts.

Stephen's declaration on the members' register of interest confirmed that he visited Qatar from October 27 to 30 and South Hook had paid for two business class flights and two nights in a hotel.

His return flight was upgraded by Qatar Airways.

Concerned Milford Haven resident Alison Hardy, of Beach Hill, has been fighting for the release of LNG risk assessments documents for two years.

She said: "I was a bit nonplussed when I found out Mr Crabb had been on this visit paid for by South Hook LNG.

"We have been putting our concerns to Mr Crabb and he never thought to mention the trip which makes me think he could not have learned anything new.

"I don't think going out there has any relevance to the safety concerns we have about shipping. I just can't see why he went."

Stephen said: "My constituents have every right to question my visit. However, I don't feel this trip has made me imbalanced.

"I made my support for LNG clear before I was even elected.

"It is a groundbreaking project that is going to be a national and international significance."

He said while he supported the project, he feels the developer has a duty to make sure it benefits the local community and ensures public safety.

He added: "The trip was exhausting, I was very tired when I returned but I felt it was definitely worth it.

"It was a unique learning experience and I found it particularly useful in my role as a member of the cross party energy studies group."