HC Deb 21 June 1978 vol 952 cc447-8
6. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much public money from all Government sources has been spent on Cromarty Petroleum's Nigg refinery project; and whether, in view of the fact that less than 70 per cent. of United Kingdom refinery capacity is being used, he will reconsider any plans, whereby the Nigg petrochemical project can attract Government grant.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Gregor MacKenzie)

No public money has so far been spent on his project.

Mr. Dalyell

That is all right.

Mr. Gray

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that commercial confidentiality has prevented any statement being made by the company, or by those likely to be associated with it in future ventures, on the Nigg Bay project? Will he confirm that there will be no discrimination against any company that wishes to make massive capital investment in Easter Ross in the national interest, so that we may properly proceed with the development of the area? Finally, will he pay scant attention to the comments of the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell), who seems somewhat confused by his triple role—that of European parliamentarian, United Kingdom parliamentarian and a mouthpiece for British Petroleum at Grangemouth?

Mr. MacKenzie

It has already been made clear by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself that we consider this to be a growth area within Scotland. Until such time as we have had applications from the company for regional development grants, which are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, or for selective financial assistance, which is dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, it would not be proper for me to anticipate any such applications.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Is it not appropriate for the Minister in general terms to indicate what positive proposals he has for building up the petrochemical industry in Scotland, bearing in mind that there is a smaller proportion of employees in the industry in Scotland than in other parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. MacKenzie

Ministers in the Department of Energy and in the Scottish Office have already made it clear that we see the project as an important development within Scotland. The studies that have already been made, which are now being examined by the Government, are an indication of the attitude that we are adopting to the work of the petrochemical industry.

Mr. Dalyell

Now that I am the mouthpiece for BP, may I confess that I am rather in favour of nationalised industries, as opposed to the Daniel K. Ludwig organisation of the United States?

Mr. Speaker

Confession is over.