Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of (a) single, (b) two-person, (c) three-person and (d) four-person occupancy standards for accommodation cabins in the offshore oil and gas industry on (i) the health and safety of offshore workers and (ii) operational safety on offshore installations.

None. Standards of cabin accommodation are examined by inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive on a case-by-case basis. Inspectors will consider compliance with the specific requirements relating to cabins, during inspections and safety case assessments. These will also include examination of other health and welfare provisions for workers, emergency escape facilities and other safety provisions that could be affected if cabin occupancy arrangements change.