§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are his plans for controlling the safety of petroleum production operations on the Continental Shelf.
§ Mr. RidleyWe propose to replace the present control of safety under licences by regulations under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act, 1971. Consultations with representative organisations are well advanced and we expect to bring forward the first commencement order accompanied by certain of the regulations very shortly.