HC Deb 27 March 1974 vol 871 cc146-7W
Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the part Plymouth is likely to play in the exploitation of Celtic Sea oil.

Mr. Strang

Exploration drilling in the Celtic Sea has only recently started The extent to which particular ports are used will depend on precisely where drilling and any subsequent development takes place and how far the ports concerned meet the operators' requirements but the advantages offered by Plymouth in this connection are fully appreciated.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take into account the interests of Cornwall in the exploration for, and exploitation of, oil and gas from the western seas, and ensure that the South-West will be included in any United Kingdom Hydrocarbon Corporation.

Mr. Strang

I very much hope that firms both in Cornwall and elsewhere will take the fullest possible advantage of the opportunities arising from offshore oil and gas activities. As to the last part of the hon. Member's question, the Government will take full account of the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom in reaching decisions on the means they will adopt to ensure maximum benefit to the community from the development of our petroleum resources.