Oil Rigs (Safety Checks)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Energy – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 23 June 1980.

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Photo of Mr Tony Benn Mr Tony Benn , Bristol South East 12:00, 23 June 1980

Is the Minister aware that the principle referred to in the minority report of the Burgoyne committee—that the Department of Energy is not the right body to exercise responsibility for safety, given the fact that it also has a duty to maximise the output of oil from the North Sea—is a matter that does not require any delay in terms of the accident that occurred in Norwegian waters and that it is a fundamental principle? Does he appreciate that people feel that as long as the same Department is trying to optimise our oil output and look after questions of safety, safety will not be the first priority and that the Government should give the issue urgent consideration?