§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many inspectors have been deployed full time on the inspection of North sea oil and gas installations in each year since 1978; and what was the establishment in each year.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMarine surveyors in my Department undertake the examination of fire-fighting arrangements and life-saving appliances on offshore installations on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. Work on offshore activities is integrated with other duties of marine surveyors and is estimated to account for about eight man years in 1978 rising to 12 man years in 1987, where it has remained. There is no established complement of surveyors for these duties and surveyors are made available whenever they are required.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many prosecutions have been mounted in each year since 1978 following inspections by his staff of North sea oil and gas installations.
§ Mr. McLoughlinNone. The enforcement of safety legislation for offshore installations is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.