HC Deb 24 May 1976 vol 912 cc5-6W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the number of new supply ships required in North Sea oil operations in each of the next five years; and how many of these are planned for construction in Scottish and other United Kingdom yards.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

New ships will be required mainly as replacements or special purpose ships such as supply/fire fighting vessels. Nine supply ships are currently on order or being built in United Kingdom yards. Of these one is being built in a Scottish yard.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many supply ships have been constructed for operation in North Sea oil operations to the nearest available date; and how many were built in Scottish and other United Kingdom yards.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

To the end of 1975 some 43 supply ships in all had been built in United Kingdom yards. Of these five had been built in Scottish yards. No figures are available of the number of supply ships which have been built specifically for North Sea operations since such ships can be and are used elsewhere where offshore activities are in progress.