§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many firms are involved in Scotland in offshore oil activity; and how many firms are estimated by his Department or the Offshore Supplies Office to have the capability for such involvement.
§ Mr. John SmithIt is estimated that about 800 firms are presently involved in366W Scotland in the offshore oil industry. It is not possible, however, to estimate the number of firms which have an offshore capability because of the very wide range of goods and services that make up the offshore market.