§ Q2. Mr. Ewingasked the Prime Minister if he will consider making an additional Ministerial appointment in Scotland responsible for the future planning and development of the exploration of the North Sea resources off the shores of Scotland.
§ The Prime MinisterOil exploration and exploitation off the shores of Scotland is proceeding well and I see no need for an additional Minister in Scotland. It is estimated that the United Kingdom section of the North Sea could produce about 75 million tons of oil a year by 1980.
§ Mr. EwingI thank the Prime Minister for that reply. I do not seek to deny that Questions Q1 and Q2 are not altogether unrelated, but in view of the great importance to the Scottish economy of the oil and gas finds off our coasts, particularly off Aberdeen, and in view, also, of the recent interest shown by various companies in setting up ancillary industries which would support the oil and gas industry in Scotland, and in view, also, of the contribution that these industries will make to the long-term economic solution which is necessary in Scotland, does not the Prime Minister accept that the additional appointment which I seek would be an investment in Scotland's future?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I understand the situation, this development is proceeding apace. I do not consider it necessary to appoint another Minister to ensure that satisfactory progress is made. Of course, it is of great importance for Scotland, but also for the whole country. Aberdeen has so far benefited most, with over 50 firms employing more than 700 people in this particular development. Dundee has been chosen as British Petroleum's marine base, and the Cromarty Firth has been identified as a potential site for the manufacture of oil rig platforms and associated equipment. This development is going ahead fast and will be of very great value to Scotland and to the whole country.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it would be far more valuable, rather than appointing additional Ministers, to reduce the current fiscal burden on risk capital involved in ventures of this kind and, in particular, the type of discrimination against Scottish-based family companies introduced by the previous Government in the 1965 Finance Bill?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already taken certain steps to that end, in particular in last April's Budget. I am sure that he is well aware of these difficulties and is quite prepared to examine any ways in which this development can be helped. As the House knows, the Government are concerned with mineral exploration in this country, too, and are taking special measures to encourage that.
§ Mr. William HamiltonWill the Prime Minister undertake to inquire into the reasons why the British Steel Corporation cannot supply the £70 million worth of pipes required to bring the oil on to the mainland and why British Petroleum have already signed a first order for Japanese pipes when the Steel Corporation is running down at Consett?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, I am perfectly prepared to inquire into that.