§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he proposes to have with all companies operating offshore on the safety precautions, inspection of rigs, equipment, residential accommodation and safety training to safeguard the lives of the persons employed in the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea.
§ Mr. GrayOfficials of my Department will continue their present practice of regular dialogue with the oil industry on all aspects of the safety of offshore installations. Following the recent tragic accident to the Alexander Kielland, I have asked companies to carry out immediate inspections of the structural integrity of all semi-submersible installations operating on the United Kingdom continental shelf. We will consider what further 297W action is necessary in the light of the Norwegian Government inquiry. In addition, I am pressing ahead with the registration as offshore installations, of floating accommodation units operating in United Kingdom waters.
Close liaison is being maintained with the Health and Safety Commssion which has policy responsibility for occupational health and safety offshore, and who are advised by the Oil Industry Advisory Committee, and with the Department of Trade.