HC Deb 22 March 1976 vol 908 cc4-5W
28. Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many of the oil production platforms now located in British North Sea oilfields have been built in the United Kingdom; and how many have been built abroad.

Mr. John Smith

Seven of the 10 oil production platforms now installed on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf were constructed in the United Kingdom.

31. Miss Harvie Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many orders he expects to be placed for oil platforms at British yards during the present year; and if he will report on the progress of the committee seeking such orders.

Mr. John Smith

I refer the right hon. Member to my reply earlier today to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet). As for the new offshore Tripartite Committee, one of its main concerns will be to seek ways of ensuring continuity of employment in the offshore industry. In particular it will be doing all it can to alleviate the problems caused by the present hiatus in platform ordering. It is not intended that the Committee will produce formal reports, but Press statements will be issued from time to time as appropriate.