In 1975 the UK government recognised that the development of offshore oil resources would make an important contribution to the UK economy, particularly at a time when the cost of imported crude oil was increasing rapidly.

The Secretary of State was empowered to make Sea Designation Orders and to grant licences for operations.

Section 10 empowered the Secretary of State to carry out works on land for construction purposes or to contribute to their cost.

[2] The oil field developments encompassed by this legislation were crucial to the UK economy but had significant local social and environmental implications.

[3] The Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975 (1975 c. 8) received Royal Assent on 13 March 1975.