HC Deb 10 November 1975 vol 899 cc904-7
9. Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the training and safety requirements for divers employed on North Sea oil rigs.

Mr. John Smith

The Training Services Agency of the Manpower Services Commission announced on 5th November that it has introduced a national training standard for basic air diving and underwater working. The Agency has already established the Underwater Training Centre at Loch Linnhe to provide basic, deep and specialist diving training. My Department has introduced the Offshore Installations (Diving Operations) Regulations 1974, which came into force on 1st January this year—the first offshore diving regulations in the world, which other countries are copying. We are monitoring the working of these Regualtions in the light of our knowledge and experience, and we think that they make a significant new step towards greater safety for offshore divers.

Mr. Aitken

I welcome that reply, but does the Minister appreciate that, so far, about 24 divers have lost their lives in North Sea operations? That is an alarming proportion, considering that the total number of working divers is about 950. I welcome the moves that have been made, but does the Mnister accept that a great deal of concern is felt about the Government diving school which he mentioned, particularly because the salary for a diving instructor being offered by that school is about £5,000 a year, which is much less than can be earned by a diver on the North Sea oil rigs? Will he try to put matters right by having a higher salary level for people in those important jobs?

Mr. Smith

I should point out to the hon. Gentleman, that the figure of 24 deaths is for both British and Norwegian waters. The figure for British waters, for all accidents on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf, is 17. This figure is constantly misrepresented in the Press, and I am glad to have this opportunity to correct it.

On the detailed point about salary, there are special arrangements for the administration of the diving school which are not the responsibility of my Department, but I shall pass the hon. Gentleman's observations on to those concerned.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Does my hon. Friend recollect the study prepared by the Scottish section of the British Medical Association, which pointed out the great dangers facing divers and other workers in the offshore oil business? The steps so far taken have been welcomed, but will he ensure that a statement is made in due course on all the suggestions made in that report?

Mr. Smith

I am glad to confirm that that study is under close consideration by my Department and by other Government Departments. If we think that something useful can be done as a result of those recommendations we shall certainly not hesitate to take action.

I should point out to the House that there are already three emergency squads of doctors, one based in Aberdeen, one in Lerwick and the third in Great Yarmouth, which between them provide a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week coverage of diving emergencies.

Under our offshore diving regulations we have a team of 70 Government-approved doctors available to sanction divers as being fit to dive. These doctors, most of whom are based in the United Kingdom, have all completed a Royal Naval course in diving medicine or have equivalent experience.

Mr. Gray

Is the Minister aware that the fee for the 12-weeks' course at the diving school near Fort William is in excess of £2,000 and that, although a trained diver can command a substantial salary, the services of many suitable young men may be lost initially, due to difficulty in financing their early training? Will the Minister consider a loan scheme on a short-term basis?

Mr. Smith

The administration of the diving school is not the direct responsibility of my Department. The Shenley Trust Ltd. is involved in that. I should like to look carefully at the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, as that might be a responsibility of diving companies in the first instance.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Would the Minister care to say what recent representations he has received from the diving companies about rescue and training facilities, and what outcome he might expect from any discussions that he has had with them?

Mr. Smith

I am not quite sure what the hon. Gentleman has in mind. We have received representations from diving companies on a number of matters. I suspect that the hon. Gentleman has a particular medical point in mind. If so, I shall be glad if he will table a specific Question or write to me direct.