§ 23. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made in the provision of an emergency fleet of fire and rescue vessels to safeguard North Sea oil installations; and whether he will ensure that such vessels are built in British shipyards.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonA working group of my officials and the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association is looking into the need for and scope of emergency vessels and its recommendations will be made to the study group whose creation my right hon. Friend announced on 27th April following the Ekofisk incident. The study group's392W report is expected very soon. The Offshore Supplies Office will seek to ensure through the voluntary procedure agreed with the operators that United Kingdom yards are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for orders.