§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the hazard to shipping and interference with fishing operations caused by surface oil rigs, he will encourage oil companies to accelerate their development programmes on sub-sea production systems.
§ Sir J. EdenThe siting of the surface platforms is controlled by the Department and before consent is given, shipping and fishing interests are carefully considered. I am satisfied that for commercial reasons the oil industry will continue to develop underwater oil and gas production systems as quickly as possible.