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Version 1 | Version 2 |
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Government pledge on fuel stocks | Government pledge on fuel stocks |
(20 minutes later) | |
First Minister Alex Salmond has said there was an "ample and substantial" stock of fuel to cope with the planned strike at Scotland's only oil refinery. | First Minister Alex Salmond has said there was an "ample and substantial" stock of fuel to cope with the planned strike at Scotland's only oil refinery. |
Workers at Grangemouth will walk out on Sunday, after talks between union officials and bosses broke down. | Workers at Grangemouth will walk out on Sunday, after talks between union officials and bosses broke down. |
Mr Salmond told MSPs that fuel would last "well into May" and more could be imported if needed. | |
The first minister urged members of the public not to panic buy, but asked them to cut non-essential trips. | The first minister urged members of the public not to panic buy, but asked them to cut non-essential trips. |
Meanwhile, UK Business Secretary John Hutton told the Commons there was no need at present to take further steps under emergency powers to ensure supplies. | |
Scotland can cope with this difficulty Alex SalmondFirst Minister of Scotland | |
He added that the industry was confident any localised shortages would be re-supplied quickly. | |
The two-day strike was voted for in protest at plans by Grangemouth operator Ineos to make changes to its pension scheme. | |
Ineos and the Unite union held two days of talks at conciliation service Acas, but they have failed to resolve the dispute. | |
Speaking at question time at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Salmond said: "Assuming consumer behaviour is responsible, then there should be limited difficulties, both in terms of inconvenience and disruption. | |
"Clearly, it's a time when we need everyone, and the public's cooperation, to behave sensibly and responsibly, to cut out non-essential trips, to use public transport. | "Clearly, it's a time when we need everyone, and the public's cooperation, to behave sensibly and responsibly, to cut out non-essential trips, to use public transport. |
"This is all wise advice for people in Scotland to take at the present moment." | |
The first minister went on: "The essential message is that the stocks of the available range of fuels will stretch into May and there is the capacity to import more if required. | The first minister went on: "The essential message is that the stocks of the available range of fuels will stretch into May and there is the capacity to import more if required. |
"Scotland can cope with this difficulty". | "Scotland can cope with this difficulty". |