§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will seek powers to require that all radio operators on oil rigs should be required to be fully qualified and hold a PMG certificate.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend already has powers under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. Proposals for regulations now being prepared by my Department include a requirement for every such offshore installation to have on board at least one qualified radio-telephone operator holding a certificate of competency issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, or a comparable certificate issued by a competent overseas national authority recognised by him.