§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on how long it takes to arrange offshore visits to oil rigs in the North sea on requests from trade unions and other similar organisations; and if he will make a statement on the right of access by such organisations.
Mr. Buchannan-SmithIn all licensing rounds from the fifth onwards, a published criterion taken into account in judging applications has been whether the prospective licensee subscribed to the memorandum on trade union access to offshore installations. The memorandum provides that operators will take appropriate action to ensure trade union officials are granted reasonable access to offshore installations. The timing of such visits is a matter to be resolved between the unions and companies concerned, having regard to operational circumstances. ACAS is available to assist employers and unions faced with any particular difficulties.