7. Mr. GordonWilson asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proposal he has to ensure that Tayside Region receives a greater share of oil-related activity.
§ Mr. John SmithLocal authority and development bodies on Tayside are already taking active steps to provide facilities for offshore oil-related activities and my Department's Offshore Supplies Office is keeping closely in touch with these bodies to support their efforts. As and when suitable projects are identified, the office will continue to draw the attention of potential developers to the attractions of Tayside including the substantial assistance available under the Industry Act.
Mr. WilsonWill the Minister bear in mind that Tayside has the lowest number of jobs involved in oil-related activities of all the regions connected with the oil industry? When he considers the location either of the oil corporation 9 or of further offices of the Offshore Supplies Office, will he agree to basing them in Dundee or Perth or in other parts of Tayside in order to benefit a region which is at present industrially impoverished?
§ Mr. SmithI will bear in mind the points that the hon. Member has made. The location of the headquarters of the British National Oil Corporation has not been decided, but claims from all suitable areas will be considered. It might help if the hon. Member supported the notion of a British National Oil Corporation before asking for it to be sited near his constituency.