§ Mr. Derek Pageasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what consideration is being given by his Department to the development of industries based on North 102W Sea gas; and what consultations have been held with the East Anglia Regional Council.
§ Mr. AlbuWe are keeping a very watchful eye on developments in the North Sea and their possible consequences. Only when we are more certain about the size of the deposits and their commercial prospects will it be possible to assess whether they will provide scope for the development of industries specifically based on North Sea Gas. We shall then discuss the effect of these discoveries with the East Anglia Regional Council and other regional councils interested.