§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what organisational changes he is making to deal with Scottish ports matters, particularly the harbour developments needed for North Sea oil exploration.
§ Mr. RipponA branch of my Department's ports directorate will shortly be stationed in Edinburgh. It will work in close co-operation with the Scottish Office and, in conjunction with it and the National Ports Council, will be responsible for the co-ordination of advice to Scottish harbour authorities and others concerned with port developments. The new arrangements will be of particular value in connection with developments in North Sea oil.