HC Deb 08 April 1974 vol 872 cc24-5
34. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will announce plans for ensuring greater participation of British firms on the production of equipment for North Sea oil development.

Mr.Strang

As my right hon. Friend announced on 2nd April, we are planning a substantial expansion of the efforts of the Offshore Supplies Office and we intend to establish the headquarters of the Offshore Supplies Office in Glasgow with representatives in other parts of the country and in London.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my hon. Friend say to what extent British firms are inhibited by shortage of steel and trained personnel? In respect of the latter point, will he consider the possibility of establishing in Glenrothes, Fife, the Petroleum Industry Training Board?

Mr. Strang

My hon. Friend has raised a number of very important matters, all of which I am currently examining. With regard to the steel situation, on Friday I visited two of the most important platform fabrication yards in the United Kingdom, namely, Brown and Root at Nigg Bay and McAlpine at Ardyne Point, and I took the opportunity to discuss with them the very important matter mentioned by my hon. Friend. On the question of training, I am sure my hon. Friend is as delighted as I am that we are establishing a drilling technology centre in Scotland. I have taken note of the other points he made.

Mr. MacArthur

Is the Minister aware that the extent of British participation in this great development will depend largely on Government policy towards the oil industry and its North Sea operations? Is he aware that he was reported as declaring that the Government propose to seize 51 per cent. of that oil industry? Is that still his view, has he modified it, or what are the Government's latest intentions?

Mr. Strang

I cannot hold myself responsible for Press reports, particularly in some of the newspapers that circulate in the hon. Gentleman's area. I can however, assure him that the Government are proceeding with their plans for the oil industry in the North Sea as announced in the Queen's Speech. We shall be bringing them forward shortly, and we shall stick to our commitments with regard to public ownership, participation and control.