§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to monitor and encourage implementation of the memorandum of undertaking on recognition and access in the offshore oil industry.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe memorandum of understanding on trade union access to offshore installations provides the framework within which visits are facilitated. When considering applications for licences to explore and produce oil and gas on the United Kingdom continental shelf, my Department takes into account whether potential licensees agree to subscribe to the terms of the memorandum of understanding. All current operators have agreed to do so.
The first paragraph of the memorandum of understanding, which refers to trade union recognition, is not operative because the relevant provisions of the Employment Protection Act, 1975 were repealed by the Employment Act 1980.