Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the oil and gas sector on the inclusion of developing future technology in the oil and gas sector deal.

Several sectors, including our vital offshore oil and gas industry, have expressed interest in a Sector Deal and we are considering seriously these credible industry-led proposals. We intend to progress with further Deals that best meet the expectations set out in the White Paper in due course.

I have met representatives of the offshore sector including Trevor Garlick, the Sector Deal Champion, on multiple occasions in both London and Aberdeen to discuss their proposal for a Sector Deal. These were wide-ranging discussions covering all aspects of the proposal including ideas for the development of transformational technology. My officials also have regular and ongoing contact with the industry’s sector deal team on this subject.

Technology is considered critical to the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry which is why this Government committed to support the establishment of the new Oil and Gas Technology Centre in Aberdeen as part of the City Region Deal.