HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc517-8
17. Mr. Bill Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to increase Tayside's share of oil-related industry.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The Government are very conscious of the need for further industrial growth in Tayside and will ensure that any oil-related or other companies which might be attracted to the area are made fully aware of its advantages and of the assistance available.

Mr. Walker

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that there is great disappointment on Tayside at the decision of BNOC not to base any of its operations on Tayside? In addition, the announcement by Conoco during the past fortnight that it is also running down has brought considerable despair to that part of Scotland, which has not benefited from the North Sea as the other northern areas have.

Mr. Fletcher

I agree that there has been disappointment over the commercial decisions of those organisations. It is essential that prospective industrial investors should not be confused by a proliferation of authorities. The regional and district authorities must work together, regardless of party, to attract industry to Tayside.