§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to provide that trade unions should have the statutory right to nominate safety representatives to the appropriate safety committees on offshore installations in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea.
§ Mr. GrayIt has been agreed in principle that the requirements of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 (SI 1977 No. 500) which provide for the nomination of safety representatives by trade unions, should be applied offshore. This is proceeding.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether checks are made to ensure that all personnel concerned with safety in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea are fluent in English.
§ Mr. GraySuch checks are not made. However, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes a duty on every employer to ensure the safety of his employees. This would include a duty to ensure proper communication.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the risks involved, he will take steps to prohibit the practice of transfer of personnel by basket offshore, unless under emergency conditions or where a specific exemption has been sought.
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§ Mr. GrayNo. My Department has already issued guidance on the use of personnel baskets. This indicates that baskets should be used only where there is no practical alternative.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is satisfied that there is adequate provision of immersion suits at all times for personnel working on installations in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea.
§ Mr. GrayThe provision and value of immersion suits is under consideration by my Department in the light of the report of the Norwegian commission of inquiry into the loss of the "Alexander L. Keilland".