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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on support for the North Sea oil and gas sector.

This Government has continuously engaged with this important sector and recognise the challenges it faces. Last week colleagues from HM Treasury and I met with representatives of the industry where we discussed the actions we are taking to maximise economic recovery of the UK Continental Shelf.

In the last two Budgets, the Government has provided a £2.3bn package of support to make sure the North Sea continues to attract investment, promote exploration and safeguard the future of this vital national asset.