§ 1. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the research projects sponsored by his Department into the job creation in Scotland arising from oil-related developments.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gordon Campbell)The Department of Political Economy at Aberdeen University is carrying out a study on my behalf into the economic impact of North Sea oil developments, including the effects on employment. Interim results will be available as the work proceeds. In addition, studies of the impact of individual projects are commissioned as necessary.
§ Mr. DouglasI thank the Secretary of State for that information, but does he not agree that, in addition to the information he obtains from these studies, the substantial document published by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) is an indictment of the Government's policy? Is not the Minister aware that it underlines what many of us on this side have been saying about the niggardly attitude of the Government towards oil development—in particular. that the Government should have established a petroleum supply industries board based in Scotland? Does he not agree that the Government should now appoint a Minister of Cabinet rank having full responsibility for energy matters?
§ Mr. CampbellI do not accept that the document issued by the Scottish Council is any such indictment. I have been in close consultation with the Scottish Council since oil developments started two years ago, and we are broadly in agreement on the way in which this can best be carried out to the benefit of Scotland.
§ Mr. MacArthurWhile my right lion. Friend is considering this matter, will he find an opportunity to make clear that the Labour Party's policy of nationalisation of North Sea oil would bring oil development to a sudden end?
§ Mr. CampbellI have found very few informed people—this applies I believe, to the hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Douglas) himself—who are in favour of the Labour Party's official policy on this subject.
§ Mr. LambieIs the Secretary of State aware that the report published today by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) calls for an immediate decision on the Hunterston project? When will he give permission for those developments to start?
§ Mr. CampbellThe hon. Gentleman ought to know that I have taken the planning decisions. The other decisions, which do not fall to me, will have to be taken after a great deal of consultation between the parties concerned, to ensure that this valuable site is used for the best combination of uses for Scotland as a whole.