HC Deb 04 April 1967 vol 744 c14
18. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a further statement on developments and improvements in the licences granted to companies and persons drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea with a view to making that oil and gas available to citizens of Great Britain at a reason able price and to making the relevant profits available to the British nation instead of to private or public companies and persons.

Mr. Freeson

There have been no changes in the terms of the licences granted.

Mr. Hughes

But does not the Minister realise that I have asked him this Question many times and pointed out that it is contrary to the national interest to allow property of the British nation under the North Sea to be used for private exploitation instead of for the public benefit? Will he rectify the licences accordingly?

Mr. Freeson

Whatever Members may feel about the past history of the arrangements made concerning North Sea exploration, the position is that the licences are contracts and the terms can be varied only by mutual agreement or by legislation.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Would the Minister consider using some of the benefit gained from the discovery of North Sea gas to remove the anomaly whereby gas in Scotland is one-sixth dearer than it is in the rest of the country?

Mr. Freeson

That does not arise from the Question.