What assessment he has made of the effect of measures announced in Budget 2009 on North sea oil exploration.

I continue to discuss the issues with members of the Scottish Government, and with those in the oil and gas industry in Scotland.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that as well as economic investment, investment in human resources is important, not least because of the demands of health and safety?

My right hon. Friend raises a crucial point. Business confidence is important, but so is the confidence of those who work in the North sea, following the recent dreadful, high-profile tragedy that claimed so many lives. That is why there is again consideration of the reintroduction of personal locator beacons. However, in the past, those lights interfered with the long-range beacons fitted to helicopters and life rafts. Of course we are looking into the detail of that horrific crash, and are seeing what lessons can be learned. The reintroduction of those beacons is now under consideration.