HC Deb 02 August 1972 vol 842 cc554-5
26. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the planning authorities in Scotland which are preparing to schedule land for planning purposes as suitable for oil refinery development and allied industries.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I am aware that Ayr and Stirling County Councils are considering this. Ross and Cromarty County Council has already zoned land for this purpose at Invergordon.

Mr. Douglas

Does the Secretary of State concede that the local authorities are playing their part in scheduling land for oil refining purposes? Is it not up to the Government to enter into discussions with companies, particularly those which are likely to produce oil from the North Sea, in order to get oil refining capacity increased in Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

The Regional Development Division of the Scottish Office particularly has been and is in touch with companies which have approached it with this interest in mind. We have also been preparing the kind of general information which will be of help to them.