§ Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated ethylene requirement for the United Kingdom in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985; how much of this requirement can be met from existing plant; what schemes for the expansion of capacity have been discussed with his Department; and what action he is taking on these matters.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have been asked to reply.
There are no official forecasts of the ethylene supply and demand balance and I have no access to those made by companies. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Energy and the Scottish Economic Planning Department, is presently considering the prospects for strengthening the petrochemical industry on the basis of North Sea gas feedstocks.
405WIn this connection I have received representations from a number of companies.