OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

That this House notes the contribution of the oil and gas industry to the UK economy; further notes that this billion pound industry supported 440,000 jobs across the UK in 2010 with 45 per cent. of these based in Scotland; believes that the UK offshore oil and gas industry is a global centre of excellence in engineering, manufacturing and technology and an established provider of primary energy, employment, investment, exports and tax revenues for the economy; recognises that the industry supports manufacturing in the UK through supply chain contracts and notes with concern the skills shortage facing the sector; welcomes the Make it in Great Britain initiative and its work to identify young apprentices and trainee engineers to act as champions to get youngsters interested in a career in industry; applauds the work of companies, like Edinburgh-based Premier Hytemp, which supports apprentices and works with higher and further education institutions to meet the demand for specialist skills; and urges the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to work with the oil and gas and secondary industries to ensure the future growth of the sector.