HC Deb 27 June 1973 vol 858 cc1524-6
18. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make an announcement on steel and oil projects at Hunterston following his decision to grant planning permission for an iron ore terminal.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

As my statement of 30th May indicated, the immediate intention is to consult the interests involved. Consultations with the county council should begin very soon and the other consultations will follow.

Mr. Lambie

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Department of the Environment, in co-operation with the Department of Trade and Industry, has sanctioned two oil refineries in the Thames area and one in Wales? Will he confirm that the Government's intention is to refine Scottish oil from the North Sea in refineries in England and Wales or in Europe? When will he give permission for oil refineries to be built in areas where people want them and where they are needed?

Mr. Campbell

The siting of oil refineries is subject to the procedures of the planning Acts. The statement which I issued on Hunterston—to which the Question refers—was a carefully prepared one to which the Press gave prominence and which I commend to the hon. Gentleman for study. It sets out the factors clearly.

Mr. Edward Taylor

As there have been several reports of private firms being interested in building steelworks in the Hunterston area, will my right hon. Friend say how authentic are these reports? If he cannot do so now, when will he do so? Secondly, if such a positive proposal were put forward and approved by the Government, would it first be necessary to obtain the approval of the European Coal and Steel Community?

Mr. Campbell

There is nothing to prevent private firms making planning applications for Hunterston. They would be considered in the light of the general decision that was taken over two years ago and the factors contained in my statement of 30th May. I do not think that EEC considerations would inhibit those applications.

Mr. Lawson

If all that has been said about the immense value of Hunterston to the nation is accurate, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman not to fritter away those advantages on small schemes that might be developed elsewhere but keep in mind when he considers applications the longer-term uses to which the area might be put?

Mr. Campbell

Yes, I agree, and that is what is spelt out in my statement. That is an issue on which the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Lambie) does not agree. He has been pressing for quick development regardless of whether individual projects were of immense value to Scotland. The requirement in my general planning decision of two years ago that individual projects must be put to the Secretary of State for his approval is based on the necessity for the site to be used only for projects which are of immense importance to Scotland.

Mr. John Robertson

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any proposals since he made his statement? In the light of the inaction that has been characterstic of his Department in relation to the development of Hunterston, is it his intention to freeze the area for 20 years?

Mr. Campbell

I advise the hon. Gentleman to read my statement of 30th May. He clearly has not done so. It explains these matters at much greater length than I am able to do in answer to a supplementary question.