§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to the answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport of 30 June,Official Report, column 451, what contingency plans she has developed or is considering for the provision of adequate safeguards for offshore installations should be a substantial proportion of the emergency standby vessels currently under assessment be taken out of service by their owners; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Health and Safety Executive has made it clear to the industry that it is the responsibility of each individual operator to ensure that there is adequate standby vessel cover available at all times to provide the necessary safeguards. The code of practice on standby vessels which was published last July and the deadlines set out in it were prepared in full consultation with the owners and operators of standby vessels; and the HSE considers that the final deadline for necessary improvements is achievable. The HSE is continuing to monitor the situation.