§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total value of North sea oil-related orders since exploitation of the North Sea began placed with (a) shipyards on the Clyde, (b) shipyards elsewhere in Scotland, (c) shipyards outwith Scotland but in the United Kingdom and (d) shipyards overseas.
§ Mr. GrayThe information requested is not obtainable. While my Department monitors procurement by oil companies in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, most of the shipyards orders are placed directly by independent shipping companies and drilling contractors. In additon such vessels frequently move around the world during their lifespan.
In terms of the United Kingdom continental shelf many hundreds of vessels of different types have seen service in relation to oil and gas production. British yards during this time have built a variety of vessels for both United Kingdom and foreign oil and gas related work.