To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations have been held between his Department and interested parties following the publication of the report of the public inquiry into the Piper Alpha disaster.

Intensive discussions are proceeding with other relevant Government Departments about the transfer of responsibility for offshore safety to a new division of the Health and Safety Executive.My right hon. Friend has met representatives of the AEU and I have met the UK Offshore Operators Association. In addition, the content and implications of Lord Cullen's report have been discussed in a number of more general meetings with various groups in the oil industry.