§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the implications for the chemical industry of permitting an ethane cracker to be built at Cromarty in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is the Government's policy to seek to maximise the benefits of our North Sea resources, including ethane, by encouraging their use, where appropriate, as a feedstock. I236W understand that a planning application for the building of a fractionator has been recently submitted to the Highland regional council and that this will be considered in the normal way. However, no application has been received in respect of an ethane cracker.