§ 16. Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of orders for the North sea oil industry were placed with British companies in 1982–83.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIn 1982 British companies gained 73 per cent. of a total of £2.2 billion in orders placed for goods and services for the United Kingdom continental shelf.
§ Mr. CoombsWhat are the prospects in this area in the current and future financial years?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere is a high level of activity on the United Kingdom continental shelf because of the fiscal changes introduced by the Government, and for other reasons. Prospects are extremely good because of the orders that have been placed and new developments, not only where North sea oil exploration takes place, but throughout the rest of the economy.