asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many civil servants will be located at the instance of his Department or the Offshore Supplies Office at oil platform construction sites; what will be the estimated cost; and what arrangements will be made for recoupment of costs from the contracting companies concerned.

It is not intended that any civil servants will be located at oil platform construction sites. The sites will be managed by the Estates Directorate of the Offshore Supplies Office in Glasgow which will be advised by engineering consultants on such matters as supply of utilities, access, communications and development of the sites.