HC Deb 02 March 1977 vol 927 cc216-7W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the Government-assisted purchase by the British National Oil Corporation of a drilling rig from the Marathon Shipbuilding Company (UK) Limited.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intended giving a specific direction to BNOC to place an order for a new class Rig 385 deep water jacket so as to maintain work at Marathon's yard in Clydebank before the corporation found a buyer for the rig; and what would be the estimated cost.

Mr. Benn,

pursuant to the answer [Official Report, 23rd February 1977; Vol. 926, c. 606], gave the following information:

On 21st December 1976, the Government announced their decision to provide substantial financial assistance to BNOC in order that the corporation should purchase a drilling rig from Marathon's Clydebank yard. Since then we have been discussing with BNOC and Marathon the type of rig to be ordered and the arrangements for this assistance. As a result of these discussions the Government have concluded that the most appropriate design to build is the type 84 jack-up. Marathon has had most success with this type of rig at Clydebank and it is a well-proven exploration tool in various areas of the world. It will ensure the earliest possible build-up of work at the Marathon yard. Accordingly, I have asked BNOC to enter into substantive negotiations with Marathon for the purchase of such a rig, within guidelines laid down by the Government.

In view of the fact that the Government have such a large financial commitment to the contract, they will require to approve the terms and conditions of the contract, though the detailed conduct

PERCENTAGES OF ALL SCHOOL LEAVERS
No "A" levels one or more CSE grade 1 and "0" level grades A-C No "A" levels CSE grace 2–5 "O" level grades D and E One or more "A" levels
(a) ILEA … 26.1 32.9 15.6
(b) Outer London Boroughs … 34.2 30.3 17.7

Percentages derived from a 10 per cent. sample survey. The figures exclude leavers from special schools and independent schools not recognised as efficient.