§ Mr. FlanneryTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many improvement notices and prohibition notices have been issued by petroleum engineering directorate inspectors during each year from 1980 to 1988, inclusive.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonSix improvement notices were served in 1980 and one prohibition notice was served in 1981. In addition to the power to serve these notices under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974, my inspectors have additional powers under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. These powers which have been used on many occasions require the owner or manager or any person on board or near to an offshore installation to do or refrain from doing any act which could cause a casualty (whether the danger is imminent or not). These powers are more appropriate to offshore installations having been designed specifically for their operations and management and have proved to be highly effective. My inspectors usually exercise these powers but will use improvement or prohibition notices where that route is likely to be more effective in order to secure the health, safety and welfare of the offshore work force.
§ Mr. FlanneryTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many times petroleum engineering directorate inspectors have exercised their right to seize helicopter 673W seats, to visit offshore installations other than by prior arrangement, in each year from 1980 to 1987 inclusive, and whether he intends that inspectors should exercise this right more frequently in the future.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOperating companies have complied with all requests for immediate seating on helicopter flights, so there has been no need for my inspectors to seize seats.