§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Minister of Power if he will make a further statement regarding his discussions with Standard Oil of California on their plan to site a refinery on the Clyde; and how 181W long these discussions have been taking place.
§ Mr. FreesonStandard Oil of California have been investigating the possibility of a United Kingdom refinery since 1967 when they first began independent marketing in this country. They have held several discussions with my Department and Scottish Office and have expressed appreciation of Government co-operation. They have recently announced their intention to seek planning permission to build a refinery on the Ayrshire Coast.