§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what guidance is being given by the Offshore Supplies Office, in the interests of continuity of employment, to ensure that oil production platform sites have a capability inbuilt in their construction for easy conversion to general construction, engineering or manufacturing purposes.
§ Mr. John SmithThe facilities needed for platform construction are specialised, and I am not clear that, however desirable, any guidance of the kind referred to by the hon. Member could usefully be issued at this time. If, however, he has some practical suggestions to make I should be pleased to look into them. The Offshore Supplies Office has been, and is, always willing to advise a platform contractor on diversification into other offshore activities.