HC Deb 10 June 1993 vol 226 cc311-2W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many Norwegian ships are operating or have operated under contract or charter in the United Kingdom sector of the North sea supplying oil rigs(a) at present, (b) one year ago, (c) 18 months ago and (d) two years ago;

(2) how many British ships are operating or have operated under contract or charter in the Norwegian sector of the North sea supplying oil rigs (a) at present, (b) one year ago, (c) 18 months ago and (d) two years ago.

Mr. Norris

The Government do not collect details of contracts placed in the North sea, but I have seen the following figures:

Norwegian ships in United Kingdom sector British ships in Norwegian sector
(a) 27 1
(b) 24 0
(c) 22 0
(d) 33 0

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, has recently written to the Norwegian Minister for Trade and Shipping about this apparent imbalance.