§ 1. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to give a decision on the application for oil and petrochemical developments on the Hunterston peninsula; and if he will make a statement.
§ 12. Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now take steps to review the Hunterston project in the light of Her Majesty's Government's policy of protecting the environment.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)I intend to clarify the position on Hunterston as soon as I have fully studied the complex situation.
§ Mr. LambieIs my right hon. Friend aware that I am very disappointed by that reply? Does he appreciate that the question of oil development at Hunterston has been before us since 1969, when he was previously Secretary of State for Scotland? Is he further aware that in 1970 there was a General Election, in which he was replaced by a Tory Secretary of State who has delayed any decision on this development for the past three and a half years. Can he give Ayr County Council the assurance that an immediate decision will be taken on the council's application for oil development at Hunterston before the next election?
§ Mr. RossI would have been disappointed if my hon. Friend had not expressed disappointment. He knows me well enough to realise that I will not indulge in unnecessary delay. There have been considerable changes since the first inquiry.
§ Mr. CorrieWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the findings of the Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee and make a statement upon them with particular reference to the possible dangers of petrochemical developments being placed besides existing nuclear development? Will he assure the House that if there is 1005 the slightest risk of any danger the Government will not go ahead with the development at Hunterston?
§ Mr. RossThis is one of the important aspects that I have to take into account. We have just received this report, which will have to be studied carefully.