HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 cc509-10W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will arrange urgent interviewing of relatives telephoned by deceased crew of Piper Alpha about gas leaks prior to the disaster.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I have already made the arrangements to which the hon. Member refers. The technical investigation team from my Department and the Health and Safety Executive has also called publicly for anyone who believes they have information which may be relevant to the cause of the disaster to contact it. A press statement has been issued and advertisements are being placed in local newspapers.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will include in the terms of reference for the public inquiry into the Piper Alpha oil rig disaster consideration of any changes in the way in which oil is processed once it is piped ashore.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer my hon. friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy to the hon. and learned Member for Fife, North-East (Mr. Campbell) on 14 July 1988.

Mr. Doran

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if there was on the Piper Alpha platform an emergency shut-off valve on each of the gas import/export pipelines; and where those valves were located.

Mr. Peter Morrison

On Piper Alpha there were three gas import-export pipelines. All were fitted with emergency shutdown valves which were located near the top of the pipeline risers on the platform.