§ Q21. Mr. Grimondasked the Prime Minister what are the terms of reference and powers of Lord Polwarth's new task force on oil and its related industries.
§ The Prime MinisterThe task force of officials drawn from all the Departments concerned with oil developments in Scotland will enable my noble Friend Lord Polwarth to co-ordinate the exercise of all existing powers affecting oil developments in Scotland.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Prime Minister if Lord Polwarth is to remain as Minister of State in the Scottish Office.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. My noble Friend the Minister of State, Scottish Office has been given a special responsibility for supervising and co-ordinating all matters relating to oil development which affect Scotland. He will continue to be one of the team of Scottish Office Ministers led by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. In those matters which are the responsibilities of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry he will have a close link with the Minister for Industry and other Ministers in the Department of Trade and Industry as appropriate.