HC Deb 29 January 1987 vol 109 cc327-8W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the results of monitoring of waste discharged from oil production and drilling platforms under the United Kingdom jurisdiction reported to Her Majesty's Government in 1984–85 and 1985–86 contained more than 40 mg of oil per litre as a monthly average.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The target standard of 40 mg of oil per litre of water, as a monthly average, applies to water discharged offshore after separation from the produced oil. In 1984, 1985 and 1986 the percentage of reports recording discharges which exceed 40 mg per litre of oil in water on a monthly average were 24 per cent., 25 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many offshore installations are within his jurisdiction in the North sea; and how many have informed him that they have appointed an offshore installations manager.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

There are 317 offshore installations registered in the register of offshore installations kept in accordance with the Offshore Installations (Registration) Regulations 1972 (S.1. 1972/707).

The number of installations within the Secretary of State's jurisdiction varies since some of them are mobile and operate, from time to time, outside controlled waters. For the period 14 January 1987 to 21 January 1987 the total number of offshore installations within his jurisdiction was 163 (95 fixed and 68 mobile).

The owner of each offshore installation which is in controlled waters is required, by section 4 of the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, to appoint a manager to the installation and to inform the Secretary of State of the appointment. All owners have done so.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many inspectors are employed to ensure compliance with regulations for the prevention and reduction of oil pollution at present; and if he will give details of the last five years of any fluctuations in the number of personnel so employed.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

There are at present two inspectors employed by my Department to ensure compliance with regulations for the prevention and reduction of oil pollution.

From January 1982 to June 1982 there were two inspectors, from June 1982 to April 1983 one, from April 1983 to October 1985 two, and from October 1985 to January 1986 one.