Scottish Secretary David Mundell has attacked a north-east MSP who claimed there was “no crisis” in the North Sea oil industry.
He went on the offensive as SNP member Dennis Robertson apologised for any “misunderstanding” over his remarks.
The Aberdeenshire West MSP said he accepted he could have expressed himself better.
But Mr Robertson also insisted it was important to recognise the “continued potential” of the sector, adding it was disappointing to hear politicians “spread negativity” about it.
Earlier this week industry body Oil and Gas UK announced the first rise in oil and gas production for more than 15 years, but warned of more tough times and jobs losses to come because of the ongoing slump in oil prices.
Shadow Scotland Office minister, Labour’s Wayne David, raised the issue in the Commons yesterday.
He said: “It has been estimated that 65,000 jobs have been lost since 2014.
“The SNP clearly inhabits a different world to everybody else.”
He asked Mr Mundell: “Can you tell us what your government is doing to support the oil industry and what it is doing to protect the thousands of jobs that depend on it?”
The Tory front bencher replied: “I find it extraordinary that anyone who represents the north-east of Scotland could claim that there was no crisis in the oil and gas industry.”
He said Chancellor George Osborne’s autumn statement showed the Conservatives were committed to the industry and the thousands of jobs it supports right across the UK.
North-east Tory MSP Alex Johnstone branded Mr Robertson “clearly out of touch” and Aberdeen city councillor Ross Thomson, who leads the Scottish Conservative group, pointed to the “real hardship” being suffered because of the downturn.
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said Mr Robertson’s intervention was “ill-judged” given the job losses and the plummeting price.
In a statement posted on his website, Mr Robertson said: “I am a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry and those working in it, particularly in my constituency.
“The sector faces clear and substantial challenges and as politicians it is our job to work with the industry through these difficult times.
“I am well aware of how challenging current conditions are for those working in the oil and gas industry, and have heard directly from many of my constituents how they have been affected over the past year.”