§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will now appoint an expert oil development board to advise on the oil development programme.
§ Mr. John Smith:The Department of Energy contains expert advisors on the technical content and execution by United Kingdom licencees of their oil development programmes on land and offshore, and the new British National Oil Corporation will also be available to give advice and information once it has begun operations. In Scotland the Oil Development Council already exists to advise on all aspects of oil development affecting Scotland. A number of other bodies, including the Standing Conference on North Sea Oil, are also concerned with the impact on the community and the environment. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to set up in addition an oil development board.