Sir, During PM’s questions, David Cameron, on being asked a placed question by one of his backbenchers, described North Sea oil and gas as “a jewel in the crown of the UK economy”.
Earlier this year, on a flying visit to Scotland, his chancellor made the point that fluctuating oil and gas prices could be a great difficulty for an independent Scotland.
The question to be asked of both politicians is: “Do you agree with each other on the outlook for, and the problems from, an industry of such importance and value to the UK economy, and moreso to Scotland’s economy, as your statements appear to bear some contradiction?”
Is it possible that David Cameron is correct about this “jewel” while George Osborne came north for a few hours as a messenger appointed to make appropriate noises for the “No” campaign?
Historically, while commodity prices may fall in the short term, the trend is generally upwards and why it should be different for oil and gas in an ever increasingly industrialised world is beyond my understanding.
Incidentally, a recent report of the OECD, an impartial body with no axe to grind, has valued North Sea oil and gas at a minimum of £2.5 trillion to a maximum of £4 trillion while UK Government estimates are £1.5 trillion.
This difference in valuation surely requires some explanation or has the lack of media attention some political motive?
The Scottish public surely deserve an honest, impartial discussion on this matter although, unfortunately, this is probably too much to ask.
L Liney. 8 Knockard Crescent, Pitlochry.
We need facts about energy prospects
Sir, During my lifetime Scotland has suffered the misery of losing its biggest source of employment and energy, the coal industry. Even now the last vestige of coal production, open cast mining, is failing and cannot fund the necessary repairs to the landscape.
Supporters of independence have made very clear the importance of North Sea energy to an independent Scotland.
If I heard correctly, Scotland’s leading expert on this subject seemed to be saying on TV recently that we have consumed almost two-thirds of the oil and gas that was available. I do not think it will take too long in terms of Scotland’s future, to use up the remaining third.
What then is the prospect for our energy requirements? Can we build enough windfarms to carry on? Perhaps the Scottish Parliament will be able to assist with this problem? I suppose a lot of people will not share my concern about independence and may believe that I am short on fact and long on opinion.
This, I think, puts me on a similar footing to Mr Salmond and his colleagues. Or perhaps they do know the facts but are unwilling to disclose them prior to the referendum?
A A Bullions. Leven.
Written out of history?
Sir, With reference to the article about Jimmy Sinclair backing the independence campaign, I was surprised to see the claim that he was the last surviving Desert Rat.
My father, who is a relative youngster of 95, also served in North Africa and Sicily before he moved on to Monte Cassino and then to northern Italy.
Although he has never described himself as such, I think he also qualifies as a Desert Rat.
My father was born and bred in Dundee, but served in the Derbyshire Yeomanry during the war.
I hope Alex Salmond isn’t writing him out of history just because he served in a regiment based south of the border?
Donald Isles. Craigour House, The Terrace, Bridge of Tilt, Blair Atholl.
We’re not all init together at all
Sir, I cannot believe the British public are so accepting of the way the royal family are being kept in obscene luxury, while people are being told they will have to put up with more and more devaluation of their way of life.
A lot of people have to choose whether to put their heating on or feed their children. More and more people are having to rely on food banks to feed themselves.
Meanwhile, the Queen gets a rise and Prince William gets a £1,000,000 makeover to improve his house in preparation for the coming child.
The Government should be too embarrassed to say we are all in this together.
Alister Rankin. 93 Whyterose Terrace, Methil, Leven.
Well deserved recognition
Sir, I write to express my great pleasure that, at last, Mr D Eoin Bennett has been officially recognised for his services to young musicians in Perth and Kinross. His BEM is well deserved.
However, I would point out two inaccuracies in your report about it (BEM for founder of youth orchestra, June 21). Firstly, he was adviser, not supervisor, in music in our area and, secondly, he was not the founder of Perth Youth Orchestra, which began in 1962. The co-founders were Louis J Barnett and JohnDavie, both now deceased.
Alister Y Allan. First leader of Perth Youth Orchestra (1962 1964). 18 Castle View, Letham, Perth.