HC Deb 11 June 1973 vol 857 cc221-2W
21. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what pro- gress has been made towards establishing a wholly British offshore drilling capability as recommended in the IMEG report.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Some companies have announced steps they have taken to enter the field of offshore drilling. Discussions are in progress between other companies and my Department.

24. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the steps taken in his department to improve liaison with the Scottish Office over matters concerned with North Sea oil development.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Present arrangements ensure the fullest consultation between the two Departments at both ministerial and official level.

28. Mr Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the plans his Department is making for the establishment of refining capacity to refine the estimated production of 100 million tons of North Sea oil in 1980.

Mr. Tom Boardman

We estimate that the production of North Sea oil in 1980 will fall within the 70–100 million tons range. The estimated refining capacity by the end of this year will be about 135 million tons. The expansion of plant or the building of new refineries are matters for the commercial judgment of the oil companies but it is Government policy to encourage home refining.