§ 44. Dr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade what request he has received for the granting of a development certificate for the purpose of setting up a second oil refinery in Southern Hampshire; and what action he intends to take.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the application of the Regent Oil Company for an industrial development certificate to erect an oil refinery in the Urban District of Fareham, which was granted on 7th September, 1956. The hon. Member may wish to refer to the full statement on the subject made on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in another place on 25th October, 1956.
§ Dr. KingWill the Minister bear in mind that Hampshire is a rapidly expanding county, that its main need is industrial work for the increasing population, and that the Esso refinery has been a tremendous boon to Hampshire as well as to Britain? Will he do what his predecessors did, namely, take active steps to encourage the setting up of a second oil refinery in Hampshire?
§ Mr. ErrollSteps have been taken by the granting of the industrial development certificate, which is, of course, still valid.