§ 17. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to pay an official visit to Aberdeen.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI have no immediate plans for an official visit, but I am to be in Aberdeen again shortly. I have visited Aberdeen on three occasions this year and my noble Friend the Minister of State and my other ministerial colleagues at the Scottish Office are frequently there.
§ Dr. MabonIs the Secretary of State aware that, despite these visits, there is great disappointment that, following the publication of the report on education and training for offshore development of North Sea oil and gas, university provision has to be divided between Imperial College in London and University College in Aberdeen? Is he also aware that, in relation to matters for which he is directly responsible—namely, Robert Gordon's and the other institutes of higher education—there is very great concern in Scotland that the new centres either for drilling technology or for rig and platform design and construction ought to be in Scotland, but not necessarily 1328 in Aberdeen exclusively, and not south of the border?
§ Mr. CampbellI think that the hon. Gentleman is prejudging decisions upon the report of the working party, which has only just been published, and has simply been reading some speculation in the Press. No decisions have been taken and one of the matters which he has raised is the subject of a following Question.