HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 c246W
55. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Power, what steps have been taken to provide adequate inspection and control over oil prospecting in the North Sea to avoid oil escape and the pollution of the coasts of Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries.

Mr. Freeson

Licensees are required by the terms of their licence to take all practicable steps to prevent the escape of oil into the sea and officials of my Ministry make frequent inspections of operating practices. In addition, licensees have to observe Part VIII of the Institute of Petroleum's Code of Safe Practice, which recommends specific measures to be taken in this respect.