Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Smith Excerpts
Wednesday 27th October 2010

(13 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Smith Portrait Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (LD)
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I remind the House of my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as a shareholder of Shell. May I reinforce to the Minister the concerns in that global industry now that it is so much into the export market? Not only is there the problem of work permits and getting people into this country, but, because of the way we treat people coming to this country, it is more difficult to get skilled people into other countries where we have an export market.

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I take the hon. Gentleman’s points on board. He will recognise that the potential of the industry has been recognised again this morning with a statement to the House about the potential award of 144 seaward production licences in the 26th oil and gas licensing round.