§ 2.39 p.m.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government why expensive office accommodation has been rented in London for the British National Oil Corporation in view of their much publicised statement that its headquarters would be in Glasgow.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of ENERGY (Lord Lovell-Davis)My Lords, the location of staff is a matter for the Corporation. As the 995 noble Lord has remarked, the Corporation's headquarters are to be in Glasgow; but, in addition, I have no doubt that the Corporation should have officials and offices in London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom as needs dictate.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. Were last week's Press reports correct, that one building in Glasgow has been used for only a few hours for three monthly meetings? Are the Government happy about a situation in which the main office is nominally in Glasgow but most of the work is likely to take place elsewhere, in particular Aberdeen and London.
§ Lord LOVELL-DAVISMy Lords, the situation is as the noble Lord has said. Three meetings have taken place in Glasgow and three meetings here in London. Negotiations are in progress to lease suitable accommodation in Glasgow. There will certainly be a need for BNOC to have some staff in London, but, as I have already said, BNOC's headquarters will be in Glasgow.
§ Lord DERWENTMy Lords, did I understand the noble Lord to say that there will be several offices—head-quarters? Can he tell me whether one will be in Yorkshire?
§ Lord LOVELL-DAVISMy Lords, I think the noble Lord should consult the chairman of BNOC.