asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the recent Petroleum Industry Association suggestion of a bilateral industry and government refining task force to examine long-term development options for the United Kingdom oil refining sector. [HL4127]

The Government set up a joint task group with the UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) in November 2006. The task group commissioned a review of UK oil refining capacity. This was published on 23 May 2007 alongside the energy White Paper and can be found at: www.dti.gov.uk/files/file39390.pdf. The Government will continue to work closely with UK refiners as they address the challenges identified in the review.