§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Power if he is satisfied with the standards of safety on oil rigs operating in the 249W North Sea; to what extent provision is made for fire drill and abandon rig procedures at regular intervals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonI am satisfied with the standards set by the Code of Safe Practice which licensees must observe. Provision is made for fire drill and escape procedures to be practised at regular intervals. H.M. Government has, however, decided that the safety procedures governing continental shelf operations should be secured by statute as soon as possible.