§ 58. Mr Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the preventive measures he provides to avoid loss and damage to the oil rigs which, under licence from him, will be exposed to gales in the North Sea, indicating how many men were exposed to these dangers, and what provision he will make for them and their families.
Mr. Alan WilliamsOperators are required by their licences to comply with the safety procedures given in the Institute of Petroleum's Code of Safe Practice; these cover precautions against storms, including procedures for evacuation. Each rig has a complement of about 50 men when drilling.