asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take further steps to encourage public discussion on the proper allocation of funds from North Sea oil and gas.

The recent publication of the White Paper "The Challenge of North Sea Oil" has made an important contribution to the public debate on the use of the North Sea oil revenues. I and my ministerial colleagues will continue to take appropriate opportunities to explain the Government's priorities for the use of the North Sea oil benefits. In the longer term, the annual progress report which the Government intend to publish will give a sound basis for informed public debate on our progress towards the objectives set out in the White Paper.