§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he proposes to take any action within the ambit of his responsibility by meeting the appropriate trade unions and organisations to discuss the threatened industrial dispute in the North sea oil industry.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI understand that this matter is still under discussion between the employers and trade unions concerned. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the oil companies and contractors involved onshore and offshore in North sea gas and oil exploration.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe latest published list of United Kingdom offshore licensees is given in appendix 2 of the annual report for the year 1984–85 published in accordance with the Continental Shelf Act 1964. I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested on onshore licensees. There is no list available of the many thousands of contractors involved in United Kingdom onshore and offshore oil and gas operations.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many times he has met the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) from the beginning of 1985 to the present time.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend and I frequently meet representatives of UKOOA both formally and informally, and will continue to do so, to discuss the many matters of mutual interest.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State of Energy what consultations his Department has had with operators in the North sea in relation to current health and safety practices.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs required under legislation, my Department is holding formal consultations with North sea operators, on a number of matters including first aid, safety representatives and safety committees, reporting of accidents and various training guidance notes.