asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date planning permission was granted to expand the refining capacity of the BP oil refinery at Grangemouth.

No planning permission has been sought or granted for such expansion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am disappointed with that answer? Does he not realise that it means that BP has no intention of expanding its refining capacity at Grangemouth? Will he, when he next meets Sir Eric Drake, Chairman of BP, suggest that the company uses some of the money which will be received in compensation from the State of Kuwait to expand refining capacity in Scotland? If that is not possible, will he give serious consideration to an immediate decision on the applications by Chevron, Orsi and others which wish to increase refining capacity in Scotland as quickly as possible?

BP has indicated its general intention to expand its refinery capacity at Grangemouth in due course. The land zoned for industry is available within BP's present site at Grangemouth. Planning permission would be required from the local authority.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not fall over himself in giving permission to build these refineries all over the place? Is he aware that in some countries, notably the United States, the authorities are now so concerned about the harm done to the environment that they are not allowing many of these things to be built? Will he see that Scottish interests, as opposed to refinery interests, are given a fair crack of the whip?

The hon. Gentleman has drawn attention to the environmental side of this picture. It is as planning Minister that I have to take what is in some cases a difficult decision whether to allow an application on a particular site.

With North Sea oil coming, have the Government a policy dealing with the correct or adequate level of refining capacity in Scotland?

The situation, as recent weeks have shown, can change so rapidly that one's plans have to be flexible.