§ Ordered,
§ That, at this day's sitting, the Petroleum Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.—[Mr. Durant.]
408§ 10 pm
§ Dr. GodmanI welcome the early introduction of the measure. While I accept that maritime demolition work will not start until the 1990s, we need to prepare in a sensible and realistic way. I acknowledge that some research work is being carried out, but more needs to be done. The work of removal will be highly technical, costly and, for some, potentially hazardous.
The marine environment should be restored to its former condition in the interests of the fishermen of the United Kingdom. As my hon. Friend the Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) said, there are potentially exciting employment opportunities here. It is essential that we grab those opportunities, particularly in Scotland. Here we can talk of construction as well as maritime demolition in terms of the construction of crane barges, barges to transport sections to the shore, tugs and other ancillary vessels and structures. We must not allow foreign firms to dominate the novel work of maritime demolition. It has been a pleasure to welcome the Bill.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.