HC Deb 03 March 1976 vol 906 cc1297-9
12. Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce his decision on the application to build an oil refinery in Easter Ross.

Mr. William Ross

I made a direction on Monday 1st March enabling the High- land Regional Council to give planning permission for an oil refinery at Nigg Point on the Cromarty Firth. I have sent the hon. Member a copy of the decision letter.

Mr. Gray

Will the Secretary of State accept that those of us who have the worry and responsibility of trying to attract continuing employment to the Highlands will welcome his decision? Will he now take the opportunity to revise his previous decision to delay for two or three years the building of the Kessock Bridge, as it is imperative that it now proceeds in view of the development for Easter Ross?

Mr. Ross

I welcome the hon. Gentleman's attitude and I appreciate the work he has done and the concern he has shown on this issue. I am glad to have the opportunity publicly to apologise for the delay over the letter which I sent to him yesterday. I contrast his attitude with the strange attitude of the Scottish National Party. Its members proclaim at one time that they want work in particular parts of Scotland but when the opportunity is afforded they make disparaging remarks. The possible interaction between this project and the possible development of other projects, such as the Kessock Bridge, will certainly have to be kept in mind. The Scottish Development Department is considering alternative possibilities in the light of proposals put to me.

Mr. Robert Hughes

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his drive to get work for the Highland areas, which is necessary following oil construction work there. Is the necessary co-ordination work being done to provide the infrastructure, such as housing and schools, for the increased population which will live there for many years to come?

Mr. Ross

The biggest element is the construction work, which is temporary but which will lead to over 400 jobs at first and I hope that more will flow from them. I shall bear the point in mind. We have some experience in this area—such as with the smelter—and if we handle this situation as well as we did that, we shall do well.

Mr. Lambie

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on granting the planning permission. The scheme will guarantee 1,500 jobs in that area. Does he not agree that it is time that he provided the same number of jobs in North Ayrshire by granting permission to build an oil refinery at Hunterston, which is the best site in Scotland?

Mr. Ross

It is the best site in Scotland for many other things as well.