Tuesday 9 June 1998

Statement: UKOOA Response To Energy Policy Report

UKOOA, the representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry, welcomes the publication of the Trade and Industry Committees Energy Policy Report today

(9 June 1998).

In particular, UKOOA supports the Committees recommendation that the moratorium on gas fired power stations should not be extended. This is in line with the Committees view expressed in the Coal Report that the moratorium should be lifted as soon as practicable. These views are reflected in UKOOAs belief that energy policy should be determined by sound economic and environmental principles which will offer long-term benefits to consumers.

UKOOA also notes the Committees regret at the delay in the consultation between Government and the industry on the fiscal regime and its recommendations that a decision be reached quickly. It also welcomes the Committees recognition that maintaining activity on the UK Continental Shelf is in the national interest. UKOOA is aware that the uncertainty arising from the continued delay of the fiscal review has already impacted on jobs and projects, and urges the Government to publish its consultation document as soon as possible.

In response to the Committees concern over the industrys safety regime, UKOOA reaffirms its commitment to safety as the overriding priority offshore. Encouraged by significant improvements in safety performance in recent years (the injury frequency rate has fallen by 40% in the last five years), a cross-industry initiative was launched in September 1997 spearheaded by UKOOA, the International Association of Drilling Contractors and the Offshore Contractors Association.

The initiative seeks to promote greater collaboration between employees, service companies, operators, trades unions, regulators and representative bodies in safety matters offshore and, by sharing information and good practice, deliver a 50 per cent improvement in safety performance over the next three years.

visit the Step Change in Safety website For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.