§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the functions of the offshore hydrocarbons unit and the British Geological Survey core store and their significance to the national interest.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 12 November 1992]: The British Geological Survey's hydrocarbons unit undertakes studies at the direction of my Department on the hydrocarbon potential of the United Kingdom continental shelf. It also manages the storage of data obtained from licence activity on the shelf in premises which I own at Gilmerton in Edinburgh. These activities assist my Department in its objective of promoting the economic exploration and development of the nation's oil and gas resources.
§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to dispose of(a) the offshore hydrocarbons unit or (b) the British Geological Survey core store; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 12 November 1992]: I have no plans to dispose of the core store which I own at Gilmerton in Edinburgh. I am considering what future contracting arrangements might be appropriate for activities currently carried out for my Department by the British Geological Survey's hydrocarbons unit.
§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions his Department has had with Messrs Simon Robertson about the future of(a) the offshore hydrocarbons unit and (b) the British Geological Survey core store; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 12 November 1992]: None. As part of the evaluation of the Department's future contracting arrangements in this area, my officials have held some preliminary discussions with the British Geological Survey and other organisations which might be capable of undertaking such work.