§ Mr. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will make regulations under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971 concerning the provision and examination of firefighting equipment on offshore installations on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.
§ Mr. BennI laid the Offshore Installations (Fire-fighting Equipment) Regulations 1978, which come into operation on 1st April 1979, before the House today.
206WThe regulations require offshore installations on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf to be provided with comprehensive fire-fighting equipment, including automatic fire or gas detection and alarm systems, fixed extinguishing systems for special areas, various portable equipment and detailed instructions and plans. The equipment and plans have to be examined before 1st April 1980 and subsequently biennially or the installation may not be manned.
These examinations will be carried out by marine surveyors of the Department of Trade, who have the necessary expertise. With the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade, I have therefore authorised marine surveyors to conduct the examinations and issue certificates on my behalf.