§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Energy if the inquiry into the Transocean III rig accident has been completed; and if he will make a statement about rig safety.
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§ Mr. VarleyThe inquiry is expected to be completed shortly. Earlier this year the Offshore Installations (Construction and Survey) Regulations were made under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. They require every offshore installation operating in the United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf on or after 31st August 1975 to comply with the requirements of the regulations and to be certified as a safe structure by one of the certifying authorities appointed by me.