§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he is having with the construction industry in relation to offshore structures; and if he has yet set up an advisory committee to advise him on safety and other standards in relation to offshore structures.
§ Mr. John SmithMy Department is in frequent contact with the construction industry about the building of offshore platforms.
The Offshore Installations Technical Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from Government Departments and engineering and research establishments, has existed since 1970 to advise Ministers on the structural safety and seaworthiness of offshore installations.
However, arising from recent discussions with representatives of the construction industry and the engineering institutions I have now set up the Advisory Committee on Fixed Offshore Installations to advise me on problems associated with the design and construction of offshore platforms with particular reference to concrete structures. The chairman is Sir Kirby Laing, of the Laing group of companies, and members have been appointed representing the construction industry, engineering consultants, engineering institutions, the oil companies, research and development interests, Lloyd's Register of Shipping and my Department.
The work of the new committee, which held its first meeting on 7th February, will supplement that of the Offshore Installations Technical Advisory Committee.