§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps his Department is taking to encourage the United Kingdom offshore supply industry to increase its share of overseas markets.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy right hon. Friend and I are actively promoting the industry by visiting selected markets accompanied, where appropriate, by an industrial mission. In addition, my Offshore Supplies Office has substantially increased the resources it devotes to identifying export market opportunities and is encouraging and supporting the industry's efforts to increase its share of these markets.
§ 31. Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what action he has taken in the last year to provide work opportunities for the United Kingdom offshore supply industry.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonLast year my Department approved development plans for a total of 13 projects including seven new offshore oil and gas projects. So far this year 11 offshore, onshore and incremental projects have been approved. These developments will provide our supplies and fabrication industries with considerable work opportunities over the next few years.