§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper, and at the same time to declare an interest in a company which has design patents in this area.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they foresee to enable tension leg platforms designed by the United States Fluor Corporation's subsidiary "Deep Oil Technology" to be built in the United Kingdom and used in the North Sea.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, the decision whether or not to order a tension leg platform to the deep oil technology design, or to any other design, is entirely a matter for the oil companies who select the production system best suited from both the technical and commercial viewpoints. However, I understand that commercial arrangements have been made, which would enable this particular design to be built in the United Kingdom if a requirement for it arises.
§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I just ask him whether the Government, through the Offshore Supplies Office, have inquired whether there may be British designs in this area which might be worthy of encouragement for research and development?
§ Lord STRABOLGIYes, certainly, my Lords; the Department of Energy is in constant touch with the oil companies and the offshore contracting industry, and new technology is frequently discussed. The Offshore Supplies Office in Glasgow 1242 is always willing to discuss proposals for research and development work on such systems.
§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord.