HC Deb 12 July 1972 vol 840 cc1560-1
8. Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now commission an up-to-date review of the economic potential of the North-East of Scotland.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The Gaskin Report has provided a basic review. What is now still to be added is the extent of the resources below the sea bed many miles from the coast. This will become more fully known as exploration proceeds and is extended to new blocks.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Secretary of State recollect that the Gaskin Committee Report, published only three years ago, made no mention of oil as an industry likely to help the growth potential of the North-East? Is he aware that there is widespread concern in North-East Scotland that the benefits to the area will be transient unless positive objectives are made by him and his Government? Is he prepared to bring up to date as urgently as possible the Gaskin Committee Report on the economic potential of the North-East?

Mr. Campbell

The fact that there was no mention of oil in the report illustrates how recent the developments have been. The situation concerning oil discoveries, however, is continually changing, as I have indicated. I agree with the hon. Member that we in Scotland, and particularly Scottish industry, need to concentrate on the opportunities and I repeat that Scotland can become the Texas of Europe.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is a considerable relief to us that the Gaskin Report has been stood on its head in this respect, and as action is better than words will he be careful about instituting another such operation?

Mr. Campbell

I am satisfied that with the machinery we have—NESDA, the North East Joint Planning Advisory Committee, the North Sea Oil Standing Conference, which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development chairs, and the Gaskin Report—together with the information which is continually coming in about oil resources, we can operate as my hon. Friend would wish.