§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the numbers, type and class of platforms which are estimated for use on the Frigg field; and if he will give the number so far on order with details of estimated cost, company from where ordered and prospective dates of delivery.
§ Mr. John SmithFrigg is a gas field lying across the dividing line between the United Kingdom and Norway. Four platforms are planned for the United Kingdom side of which two will be of steel and two of concrete. Three of these are currently on order. An order for one concrete platform has been placed with McAlpine in Scotland, whilst orders for one steel and the second concrete platform have been placed with UIE, France and Howard-Doris, Norway respectively. All three platforms are due for delivery this year. As regards the cost of the platforms, this is a commercial matter between the oil operator and his suppliers.