North Sea Safety

HC Deb 03 February 1989 vol 146 cc424-5W

Mr. John Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he plans to issue any further safety notices in respect of practices in the North sea.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Yes. I have today issued the following safety noticeThe Department is concerned that the provision of alcohol offshore, even on a strictly controlled basis, may provide opportunities for abuse. Operators are asked to ensure that all their staff are aware that if such abuse occurs they may render themselves liable to prosecution under S.7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Operators may also render themselves liable under S.2. However, the Department consider that operators should not allow any such opportunities to arise. This can be done only by barring the possession or use of alcohol offshore. The Department expects operators to ensure that they implement such a policy.