HC Deb 09 July 1974 vol 876 c446W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has formulated guidelines for oil companies on underwater pipelines and the installation at regular intervals of shut-down valves on such pipelines.

Mr. Strang

The code of practice for submarine pipelines, published by the Institute of Petroleum, is recognised by oil companies and by my Department as a sound basis for ensuring safe and reliable pipelines. Expert advice is against the installation of shut-down valves on the sea bed; they would only create unnecessary hazards to fishing.