§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what vessels with heavy lift capacity suitable for North sea development there are in the United Kingdom owned by British capital.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have been asked to reply.
There are two British-owned heavy lift vessels in operation with capability to work on North Sea developments. These are the Tog Mor owned by Howard Doris Ltd. and the ITM Mariner owned by ITM (Offshore) Ltd.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of drilling contractors operating in the North sea are of British origin and capital; and if the Government will take measures to encourage the growth of British investment.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have been asked to reply.
My Department does not record drilling contractors operating in the North Sea in terms of either origins or British capital investment. However, from the returns published in the Brown Book the United Kingdom share of the exploration and appraisal drilling sector is around 30 per cent. Through the Offshore Supplies Office the Government encourage the growth of British investment in the offshore drilling sector.