§ 31. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that in 10 years there have been 23 serious accidents on mobile drilling platforms exploring for oil in the North Sea, and that Norway's State Oil Council has proposed an international conference aimed at reducing the relevant dangers; if he will seek representation for the United Kingdom at that conference; and what relevant conditions he inserted into licences to drill granted by him.
§ Mr. FreesonMy hon. and learned Friend has got some of his facts wrong.
The magazine "Offshore" reported in its March, 1966, issue that there had been 23 serious accidents to drilling rigs in the last 10 years throughout the world. Of these only one—the collapse of the "Sea Gem" in December, 1965—happened in the British sector of the North Sea.
The Norwegian Petroleum Council has issued invitations to countries interested in offshore activities in the North Sea to attend an informal conference to discuss matters of common interest with particular emphasis on safety. The Conference 336 will be at official level and the Ministry will be represented.
Licensees are required to carry out operations in accordance with the relevant Institute of Petroleum Code of Safe Practice.
§ Mr. HughesDoes my hon. Friend realise that he has missed the essential point of my Question, which relates to the relevant conditions in the licences? Will he ensure that serious accidents and cases of defective machinery are dealt with in this country by British workmen and not sent abroad as heretofore?
§ Mr. FreesonI assure my hon. and learned Friend that I have discussed this in the Ministry. As I stated in reply to a similar Question when I was last at the Box, it is important to get repairs undertaken in the best manner and as speedily as possible, irrespective of where they are undertaken.