§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the control of refineries and refinery expansion is limited to primary distillation capacity; or whether it is intended to encompass further downstream processing.
§ Mr. John SmithUnder the powers contained in Part IV of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Bill, an authorisation from the Secretary of State would be required only for the provision of, or an increase in, crude oil distillation capacity. My right hon. Friend would. however, be able to include in such an authorisation conditions requiring the execution of further works, for instance associated downstream plant.