§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the use of former fishing vessels as standby vessels in the North sea.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMost fishing vessels have good sea-keeping qualities and when properly converted have had no difficulty meeting the requirements of the Department's code for the assessment of the suitability of standby vessels attending offshore installations. Some fishing vessels properly maintained and converted may meet the new requirements for standby vessels which are to be drawn up in the light of Lord Cullen's report into the Piper Alpha tragedy.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about North sea standby vessels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinSince 1988, a number of representations have been received. Nearly all of them centre principally on improvements to the Department's code for the assessment of standby vessels and when the new standards will be implemented.