§ 19. Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to improve competitiveness in the development of the North sea.
§ Mr. EggarI published the report of the working group on United Kingdom continental shelf competitiveness on 2 March, and I am encouraging all concerned to implement the group's recommendations.
§ Mr. ThompsonBearing in mind the fact that many of my constituents in Norwich, North depend for their jobs on the further development of the North sea oil and gas industry and reserves, does my hon. Friend agree that yesterday's Budget announcement of the reform of North sea oil taxation was very good news with regard to jobs in the constituency and very good news for people throughout the country?
§ Mr. EggarMy hon. Friend will have heard what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor said yesterday. Of course, these are very wide-ranging changes in the structure of petroleum revenue tax and associated North sea oil taxation, and the companies will respond to the changes in due course.