A UK Government minister has raised the prospect of criminal prosecutions over a blow-out which shut down a major North Sea oil and gas platform.
Energy Minister Michael Fallon confirmed yesterday that investigators planned to hand two reports to prosecutors in Scotland on last year’s gas leak at Total’s Elgin platform.
In a written response to a parliamentary question, he said that the joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was ongoing, and they would be gathering further evidence until early in the new year.
Mr Fallon said: “The investigation is still in the evidence-gathering phase with DECC and HSE officials scheduled to obtain further witness evidence into early 2014.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, separate reports for the consideration of criminal proceedings regarding this incident will be passed to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“These reports will detail the potential contraventions of both offshore health and safety and offshore environmental regulations and permits that occurred as a result of the blowout.”
Jake Molloy, organiser for the RMT trade union, said: “Every incident investigated by every regulatory authority in Scotland is passed on to the procurator fiscal for consideration of prosecution.
“I think the interesting aspect will be what the regulator recommends and whether the fiscal acts on the recommendation.”
A Total spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
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