§ 37. Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to mitigate the social consequences of the rundown of the oil industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend is concerned over the fall in oil-related employment during the present downturn in offshore activity. The Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board are constantly seeking practical means to promote and increase economic activity and the Government are providing the resources necessary to achieve this objective. It is, however, vital that the oil-support industry in Scotland should itself adopt a tough and competitive attitude towards the opportunities for work which do exist, both in the North sea and internationally and also seek to exploit their scarce skills in non-oil related markets.