§ Mr. PrescottTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department received the report of the Robert Gordon institute of technology on the effectiveness of life jackets and survival suits used in the North sea offshore industries; what request he received for the publication of the report; and why it has been delayed.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe report was submitted to my Department in November 1987.
Following my reply to the hon. Member for Warrington, North (Mr. Hoyle) on 28 April 1988, at column 219, a copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House. Members of the oil industry advisory committee of the Health and Safety Commission have requested publication. One manufacturer of immersion suits has also formally requested publication.
Since the report was submitted consultations have taken place between my Department, the Department of Transport and standards-setting organisations.
Additional copies of the report are to be produced and made more widely available.