HC Deb 12 December 1988 vol 143 cc631-2
5. Mr. Doran

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent consideration he has given to the improvement of safety in the offshore oil and gas industry.

15. Mr. Ernie Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent consideration he has given to improvements in safety in the offshore oil and gas industry.

The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Peter Morrison)

Safety standards remain under continuous review.

Mr. Doran

Some months ago the Secretary of State announced his intention to introduce statutory safety committees and safety representatives for the North sea and as the Minister will know that announcement was warmly welcomed by Opposition Members. Since then, however, we have heard nothing. Will he give us some idea when the regulations will be introduced?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct. The consultation document will, I hope, be available in about the middle of January. The period of consultation will then last for six weeks, and I hope that the necessary regulations will be introduced as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Ernie Ross

The Minister will know that the Select Committee on Employment recently received evidence from the Health and Safety Commission on its responsibility for health and safety offshore. It confirmed to us in a note that it had subcontracted that responsibility to the Minister's Department. Given the record of accidents in the North sea, does the Minister honestly think that one arm of Government is getting value for money from his Department?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that the Select Committee looked at the matter carefully. I read the evidence from beginning to end, and was aware of some of the points being made.

As the hon. Gentleman will know, during the public inquiry Lord Cullen has a remit to look into the matter very carefully. The present safety regime is operated according to the majority report of the Burgoyne committee set up by the then Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr. Benn).

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

Has the Minister's Department made any assessment of the costs involved in enhancing safety regulations on the North sea, and will he give a commitment that all costs will be met?

Mr. Morrison

None of the specific costs are available to me at present, but no cost is too high for proper safety.

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