§ 17. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Power what price tariff has been offered by the Gas Council to North Sea gas 1410 producers, following recent negotiations with the Shell-Esso consortium.
§ Mr. LubbockWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be of great value to the general public if the costs incurred by operators in the North Sea could be made public so that, when the price is finally determined, it would be clearly seen that they are getting a fair return on their money? Would he also agree that the North Sea gas operations should be considered in isolation and that the operators should not require a return which takes into account losses which they may have incurred on drilling operations elsewhere in the world?
§ Mr. MarshThe Gas Council is at present negotiating these matters and one difficulty here is that pressure to make one part of the negotiations public might lead to pressure being brought to make other parts of the negotiations public. To answer the hon. Gentleman's question about costs, it is possible at the moment only to deal with estimated costs because the final costs have not yet been incurred. Those costs are still being incurred.