HC Deb 28 November 1990 vol 181 cc416-7W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many occasions in each year since 1978 his inspectors have used their powers under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971 to prohibit an activity or use of equipment or to require improvement.

Mr. Wakeham

Action to effect improvements is a feature of almost every inspection. Such action takes place against the background of inspectors' powers under the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971. A detailed breakdown of the kind requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many full-time field inspectors engaged in offshore installation inspections were employed by his Department in each year since 1978.

Mr. Wakeham

The number of full-time field inspectors engaged in offshore installation inspections since 1986 is set out in the table.

Date Staff in post
1986 7
1987 5
1988 6
1989 7
1990 6

All figures relate to 1 November of the year in question. There is no data prior to 1986.