§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power what provisions as to the location of the relevant shore offices and berthings of apparatus he has inserted in licences granted by him to drill for oil in the North Sea; and, as to those off the north-east coast of Scotland, how many and which of those offices and berthings will be in Scotland; and where these will be situated.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeNo such provisions are required by the Regulations, and none have been inserted in the licences.
§ Mr. HughesWhy does my right hon. Friend not make provisions, which would fit neatly into the new Economic Plan for Scotland, to ensure that the relevant offices are placed in the north-east of Scotland, near the site of the drillings? In that way, he would encourage trade, industry, commerce and employment in Aberdeen, where it is badly needed.
§ Mr. LeeI am advised that it is not within my power to require licensees to establish offices or bases in any particular part of the country. If I could whisper a word of encouragement to my hon. and learned Friend—I understand that one licensee has chosen a site in Scotland near Aberdeen for his base.