§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what research and development projects are currently in hand relating to rigs or equipment for the exploitation of offshore oil and gas.
§ Mr. StrangThe Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board which is responsible for commissioning applied R and D work in this field on behalf of both my Department and the Departments of Trade and Industry has the 247W following major projects relating to rigs or other equipment for exploiting offshore oil and gas currently in hand:
The board's report for 1973 will be published early next month when it is expected that a Press conference will be held.
- (i) Environmental data studies;
- (ii) Offshore structures, fluid loading;
- (iii) Marine materials;
- (iv) Underwater arc welding;
- (v) Under-sea pipe laying and burial;
- (vi) Dynamic positioning of vessels;
- (vii) Sector scan sonar;
- (viii) Ocean data buoy.