§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many divers were working in oil-related activities in the Scottish sector of the North Sea in each year since 1970 and in each month in 1974; and how many are estimated to be needed in each year to 1985.
§ Mr. StrangThe figures are not available. It is estimated that between 400 and 600 divers are available for work on the United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf. The number is expected to rise to meet a peak requirement of approximately 1,000 by next year and continuing to 1985.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the level of training of divers operating in oil-related activities in the Scottish sector of the North Sea.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have been asked to reply.
The Manpower Service Commission advises me that working parties chaired by the Training Services Agency are drawing up suggested standards for basic diving training and are considering how best to secure the establishment in the United Kingdom of advanced diver train-