HC Deb 14 June 1976 vol 913 cc5-6
4. Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State of Energy if he will give details of any orders placed with the platform construction industry, or anticipated, during the course of 1976; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)

No orders have been placed so far this year for major production platforms for the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea. I hope to be in a position shortly to say something further about future prospects.

Mr. Gray

That is a disappointing reply. Will the Minister of State consider adopting a new line of approach? Will he try to persuade his right hon. Friend, and his other right hon. Friends in the Cabinet, that a strong case exists for offering a further tax concession to companies which are prepared to develop marginal fields, for which many platforms could be required?

Dr. Mabon

I hope to make an estimate of the number of platform orders likely to be placed between now and the end of 1977. I take the hon. Gentleman's point about marginal fields. We have had only one application for consideration for the remission of tax. I shall certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says and look again at the matter.

Mr. Dalyell

Is there any joy in the contacts which Ministers have with Red-path, Dorman Long, and Albert Smith and other full-time officials of the AUEW and the shop stewards?

Dr. Mabon

I have had a discussion with a deputation representing the yard. Graythorpe and Methil are the two most affected yards, inasmuch as work will shortly be complete. It will be in the summer or autumn of this year. The other four yards already have, on balance, reasonable work until the middle of next year. I am hopeful that there will be some developments here, but it very much depends on the oil companies.

Mr. Skinner

Is a platform construction a ship, or is it just a run-of-the-mill platform construction? My hon. Friend should tell us, before we get into any more trouble.

Dr. Mabon

You and I, Mr. Speaker, are not the authorities of Lloyd's Register of Shipping. I leave it at that.

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