§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Energy if the statement contained in the letter of 29th October from the Offshore Supplies Office to London Graving Dock Company Limited, concerning the manufacture in the area of the Thames and Medway estuaries of engineering structures for offshore oil purposes, represents the official policy of his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SmithYes. The Department recognises, however, that certain sites in the Thames and Medway estuaries may be suitable for the construction of smaller engineering structures for offshore use, e.g. steel jackets for gas fields. As my hon. Friend no doubt knows, the Offshore Supplies Office of my Department supported the development of a site at Frindsbury for this type of activity.