HC Deb 15 December 1970 vol 808 cc319-20W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the current oil refining capacity in the United Kingdom; what assessment he has made of the need to expand capacity to meet future demands; and what measure of expansion will be required.

Mr. Ridley

Crude oil refining capacity in the United Kingdom at the beginning of this year was estimated at about 108 million tons per annum. The demand for oil products is continuing to increase rapidly and there will be room for substantial additional United Kingdom refining capacity over the next few years.