Separation would weaken investment
The UK's energy minister has said the country's oil and gas industry would be more certain about health and safety and investment if Scotland remained in the Union.
The UK's energy minister has said the country's oil and gas industry would be more certain about health and safety and investment if Scotland remained in the Union.
David Cameron pledged yesterday to deliver "stability" to the offshore industry if he is elected prime minister next month.
So there I was, half past seven in the morning, shortest day of the year, children off on the bus to school, under pressure from the editor of this estimable publication to deliver my column early - or at least not as late as usual.
As I talk to more and more people, the reality is beginning to sink in that a full-blown recession is upon us and highly likely to add to the indigestion we are expecting to impose upon our bodies as we enjoy the excesses of Christmas.
Energy Minister Mike O'Brien announced yesterday that the UK Government would spend more than £5million over three years on studies on the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry.
THE Norwegian government is increasing its ownership of StatoilHydro from 62.5% to 67% - at a cost of about $4billion.