Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the effect on employment in Scotland of the fall in the price of oil.

While sustained lower oil prices are challenging for companies active in the North Sea, it is important to recognise that the industry is cyclical. The majority of operators and investors make their assessments on long term outlooks taking into account potential fluctuations in prices.

The UK Government is committed to supporting this vital industry that creates jobs and generates investment. This support includes the full implementation of the Wood Review recommendations and the package of fiscal changes and initiatives announced by the Treasury in early December designed to ease the tax burden on the industry.