§ Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will name and specify the bollard pull and brake horse power of the three tugs stationed at Flotta and the four stationed at Sullom Voe;
(2) if the tugs stationed at Flotta and Sullom Voe are capable of assisting disabled ships in the open sea areas off the Orkney and Shetland Islands, bearing in mind the severe weather conditions common in the North Sea.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe information requested is as follows:
Ahead Bollard Pull BHP Flotta— "Kinloch" … 37 tons 2,500 "Kessoch" … 37 tons 2,500 "Kintore" … 45 tons 4,000 Sullom Voe— "Stanechakker" … 54 tons 3,800 "Lyrie" … 54 tons 3,800 "Swaabie" … 54 tons 3,800 "Flying Childers" … 38 tons 2,640 These sea-going tugs are capable of assisting disabled ships in the open sea areas off the Orkney and Shetlands islands. For larger vessels in distress there would be advantages to both towing and manoeuvring in having more than one of these tugs in attendance rather than a single very powerful tug.