HC Deb 16 April 1969 vol 781 cc270-1W
Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Power on what grounds he has not given the Chevron Oil Company permission to make application for planning consent to build a deep-water jetty and oil refinery on the Clyde estuary following a request made two years ago; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

The Chevron Oil Company does not require my approval to make application to the local authority concerned for planning permission to build a jetty and oil refinery. The company were advised at an early stage in discussions that they are free to go ahead with such an application at any time.

Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Power what recent communications he has had from the Chevron Oil Company concerning the possible abandonment of their proposed project on the Clyde estuary; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

None, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity of correcting a misleading article which has recently appeared in the Press, which said that the company were intending to abandon the project unless Government approval was received within ten weeks.