HC Deb 08 May 1973 vol 856 cc199-200
Q2. Mr. Douglas

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the degree of co-ordination between the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of the Environment and the Scottish Office with regard to the planning for expansion of oil refineries in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The three Departments maintain very close contact.

Mr. Douglas

Does the Prime Minister consider it satisfactory that of all the refineries in the United Kingdom only one major refinery is located in Scotland? Will he try to push the Departments out of their absurd complacency in this regard? They seem to think that North Sea oil will only come ashore in late 1974 or early 1975. The time to be planning expansion is now. We must not wait for North Sea oil to come ashore.

The Prime Minister

I fully agree with the hon. Gentleman about the need to plan fully in advance for the time when the oil comes ashore. That applies to refinery capacity as well. An interdepartmental working party has produced a note on the selection of sites for oil refineries. That has been sent out to all local authorities as guidance in dealing with specific applications and giving advice on potential sites in their areas where refineries could be to national and local advantage. All the information has been given to those who are concerned with the matter. Much depends on the individual companies making application either for new refinery capa- city or for the extension of their existing capacity.

Mr. Edward Taylor

May I ask my right hon. Friend to tell us the extent to which the Government's endeavours to maximise the return in jobs and in cash for the nation from North Sea oil have been frustrated by the apparent threats by the Opposition to nationalise North Sea oil, either with or without compensation, in the event of their return to power?

The Prime Minister

It is difficult to give any figures. My judgment is that they have not frustrated the development of North Sea oil and the industries associated with it which have been going ahead very fast indeed, for the simple reason that people have taken no notice of what the Opposition have said. Nor do they expect them to become the Government.