§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what consideration the Scottish Law Commission is giving to the modernisation of Scottish law in relation to the exploitation of oil on the continental shelf.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandThe Scottish Law Commission's working party on security over movable property is proceeding with its examination of the question of security in connection with North Sea oil operations under the following terms of reference
To consider as a matter of priority whether the law of Scotland provides adequately for the creation of security interests in property, whether movable or immovable, in connection with the financing of the exploration for and exploitation of petroleum, oil, gases and related substances in the sea bed or elsewhere and all operations relative thereto, and to make recommendations for any alteration of the law.The working party has made considerable progress on this matter and will submit a report to the Scottish Law Commission as soon as possible.