§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his projection of the offshore oil platform market in 1980; and what variations in employment levels he expects.
§ Mr. GrayThe Government believe that there are good prospects for two or three oil platform orders being placed for the United Kingdom continental shelf in 1980. The effects on employment levels in particular yards cannot be predicted but if the contracts are placed with British 431W yards it is reasonable to suppose that the current overall level of employment will be maintained.