asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long he has now been considering the planning applications of Chevron and ORSI in respect of proposed developments at Hunterston.

I am not yet in a position to consider these applications. The current ORSI application was submitted in May 1973, the current Chevron application in July 1973. On 30th May 1973 I gave notice of the criteria for approval of oil refineries at Hunterston. Satisfying these criteria involved consultation between the oil companies and others. I have not yet heard of definitive results from these consultations. In addition, I am awaiting a report on the nuclear safety aspect which is expected soon.