asked the Minister for Energy if he is satisfied with the extent of British involvement in the development of subsea completion systems for the production of oil.

A number of sub-sea completion systems for the production of oil are currently being developed and British companies are involved in the business. But this is an area where I believe there should be considerable scope for greater involvement by British interests, which I should welcome.

asked the Minister for Energy if he will give assistance to industry to develop a United Kingdom capability in the construction, inspection and repair of subsea pipelines.

I should be happy to consider any further applications for assistance in this area.