HC Deb 27 February 1976 vol 906 c363W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the exact terms of reference of the tripartite committee formed to assist the oil and gas platform contractors.

Mr. John Smith

The terms of reference of this committee were agreed at the inaugural meeting on 24th February 1976, as follows:

  1. (i) The committee should consider ways of improving the UK offshore supplies competitive capability having regard particularly (a) to the desirability of securing an adequate level of ordering thus helping to ensure continuity of employment and adequacy of training; and (b) to the problems arising from cost escalation;
  2. (ii) The committee should seek means of improving the capability and the level of UK content in the orders placed by operators on the UK Continental Shelf whilst encouraging industry to take advantage of the scope for exports;
  3. (iii) The committee should identify and examine in depth such problems as might be raised by any member or outside source and monitor any action recommended;
  4. (iv) The committee should establish a close relationship with other bodies such as the Offshore Supplies Office and the National Economic Development Office to avoid any duplication of effort or overlap in study or research into problems identified by the committee; and to co-ordinate their efforts with the Government's broader industrial strategy.