HC Deb 23 January 1974 vol 867 cc1645-6
19. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings the Oil Development Council has had ; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Three. In addition, committees established by the council to examine infrastructure and environmental questions associated with North Sea oil have met seven times.

Mr. Grimond

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that three meetings represent an inadequate number? Does he also agree that there is considerable confusion about who is responsible for oil and its development in related industries? Should not the council be made totally independent, which I would recommend, so that it can talk impartially about the impact of oil on the social life and economy of Scotland or be put under the new Secretary of State for Energy to whom its name would seem relevant?

Mr. Campbell

I think that the right hon. Gentleman was in favour of the setting up of this council originally. It is an advisory, not an executive, body. It brings together people with a great many Scottish interests. Therefore, it is a Scottish body. While those primarily concerned with amenity matters might not share the same views as members who come from industry, discussion and study can lead to advice which can be in the best interests of Scotland as a whole.

Mr. Ronald King Murray

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that if the Oil Development Council makes a recommendation—for example, about the rate of exploitation—it will not be over-ruled by the new Secretary of State for Energy?

Mr. Campbell

It will receive the fullest consideration by Ministers.