§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power what steps he takes to ensure that persons and companies to which he grants licences to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea comply continuously with the provisions of the Coast Protection Act 1949 and the Pipelines Act 1962; how many cases of non-compliance with those and other relevant statutes there have been; and what steps he took as a consequence.
§ Dr. BrayIt is the responsibility of the pipe-line owner to comply with the provisions of the Pipe-lines Act 1962. The Inspector appointed under the Act requires production of such evidence as he considers necessary to satisfy himself that the pipe-lines are constructed and maintained to provide adequate safety and are operated in a safe manner. No cases of non-compliance by persons and companies to which licences have been granted to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea have occurred.
50WAny questions concerned with the Coast Protection Act 1949 should be referred to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.