Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 December 2003. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to set up an inquiry into the deaths on the Shell Brent Bravo rig on 11th September.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to set up an inquiry into the deaths on the Shell Brent Bravo rig on 11 September. [140668] Mr. Browne: A rigorous and detailed investigation into the two deaths on the Brent Bravo offshore installation on 11 September 2003 is already under way by both the Police and the Health and Safety Executive. The Health and Safety Executive will send their report to the Procurator Fiscal before the end of 2003. The Police will independently report to the Procurator Fiscal. Decisions on legal proceedings and Fatal Accident Inquiries are a matter for the Crown. The Health and Safety Commission does not consider it appropriate to seek the Secretary of State's consent for a public inquiry in addition to the investigations in progress.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 140668; 415 c418W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Death Health and safety Industrial accidents Offshore structures Public inquiries Oil rigs Brent Bravo
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk