HC Deb 30 January 2001 vol 362 cc159-60W
21. Miss Begg

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the future of oil and gas industry businesses in Scotland. [146200]

Mr. Foulkes

The Government and industry are working together through PILOT, of which I am a member, to ensure that Scotland and the UK remain a centre of profitable activity well into the new century.

There is confidence in the UK Continental Shelf as a place to do business, with increased investment intentions, more development projects being brought forward and renewed interest in previously undeveloped fields and the commercial co-operation needed to access them.