MP commends Piper Alpha Memorial Scholarship Scheme

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Mr Bruce took part in a debate to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Piper Alpha Tragedy in the Houses of Parliament

In the debate in Parliament (Wednesday) on the 20th Anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, the Gordon MP, Malcolm Bruce raised concerns over current safety practices and the lessons learned since the disaster twenty years ago. He said:

"I am concerned over reported delays in maintenance of oil platforms. It would be dangerous if these delays were occurring because producers were seeking to maximise production at current high oil prices as has been suggested."

Commenting on Ed Punchard's plans for a Piper Alpha memorial scholarship scheme the MP for Gordon added:

"This is a commendable proposal and comes at a time when the industry has as much to offer to the North East economy in the future as it has in the past. We need new recruits in the oil and gas sector of a high calibre who are well versed in safety. Such a scholarship scheme would provide a sign of good faith if the oil companies were to get on board."

ENDS

Note to editors:

Ed Punchard, a survivor of the Piper Alpha tragedy launched a plan for 167 scholarships to honour those who died on the North Sea platform in the House of Commons on Wednesday.