asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes to make it a condition of offer for exploration areas in the next round that the companies will subsequently place orders with Scottish yards for any production platforms required.

No. Such a condition would not be consistent with our international obligations. The proper course is to ensure that licensees give the fullest regard to affording United Kingdom industry full and fair opportunity to compete for offshore orders and services; and that is the course I will continue to take.