Offshore Oil Technology and Supply Office

HC Deb 05 June 1997 vol 295 c238W

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if she will make a statement on the promotions budget for the offshore oil technology and supply office; [1011]

(2) how her Department's oil and gas technology and promotion budget is to be allocated. [1007]

Mr. Battle

The oil and gas technology and promotion budget is handled by the Oil, gas and petrochemicals Supplies Office (OSO). For 1997–98 OSO has a gross programme budget of £3.7 million, as set out in the Supply Estimates. The precise allocation of funds is subject to advice from the OSO Board, but is expected to be £1.5 million for export promotion—including trade fairs, missions and seminars; and £2.2 million to aid competitiveness—including assistance for the Centre for Marine and Petroleum Technology (CMPT), the CRINE Network competitiveness initiative and some technology projects.