HC Deb 12 November 1990 vol 180 cc314-5
4. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by how much he expects the output of the North sea to grow between 1990 and 1995.

Mr. Moynihan

The output of North sea oil and gas taken together could hit an all-time peak in the mid-1990s.

Mr. Marshall

May I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, which illustrates one of the Government's many successes? Will he remind the professional pessimists that it can be only good news for Britain and oil-related employment in Scotland?

Mr. Moynihan

I totally agree with my hon. Friend. A record number of discoveries, substantial increased investment and the job opportunities that go with it, and the fact that it is a net exporter of oil, all make good news for Britain.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Does not the Minister recognise that much of the increased activity and the high volume of production is the result of a dedicated work force in the North sea? Therefore, will he ask his officials to brief him a bit more carefully about industrial relations, as his earlier answers showed that he has been signally ill advised? Is not he aware that the companies have said that industrial relations involve primarily contractors and unions and that when they got together and were on the point of signing an agreement to allow the reinstatement of almost all those sacked, the oil companies vetoed it and said that they would not accept it? Is not that secondary action of the worst kind and is not the Minister ashamed that the companies should do that?

Mr. Moynihan

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's opening remark. Anyone analysing and assessing North sea successes should recognise that it is due to the outstanding competence of the work force. I disagree with the hon. Gentleman that, be it on safety or any other consideration, it is necessarily better to be unionised than non-unionised, which is not a relevant consideration. What is relevant is that the training and contribution to the development of the UKCS output is based on a high level of quality manpower and womanpower—with an increasing number of women working offshore. I am sorry, but I disagree with the hon. Gentleman and believe that the issue bears no relation to union recognition.

Mr. John D. Taylor

In an earlier reply, the Minister referred to the good news for Britain. What proposals does he have to make good news for the United Kingdom?

Mr. Moynihan

The right hon. Gentleman is right to point that out. What is good news for Britain in this case is good news for the United Kingdom as well.