§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received concerning the transfer of(a) personnel and (b) responsibilities from Government Departments to Scotland; and what plans he has to make such a transfer. [5096]
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any recent representations on this topic. My right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State472W for Scotland have, however, recently received representations from Grampian regional council and the City of Aberdeen district council about the scope for transferring to Aberdeen additional jobs in the Department of Trade and Industry's oil and gas division. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy will be meeting representatives of the councils shortly to discuss this issue.