HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc1165-6
12. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Power to what extent his Department, in its comparative study of fuel costs in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America, is taking account of the fuel-cost element in export industries.

Mr. Marsh

Fuel costs in different countries are kept under review as part of the continuing work on fuel policy, with particular regard to the effect of energy costs on our competitive strength in export markets.

Mr. Lane

As fuel costs represent a higher proportion of total costs for export industry than for industry generally, will the right hon. Gentleman also keep under review the advantage to the export trade of eliminating or reducing the fuel oil tax at the earliest possible date?

Mr. Marsh

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend's answer take into account the increase in the cost of gas caused by the recent moving of drills in the North Sea from British areas to Dutch areas?

Mr. Marsh

No, Sir. The hon. Member for Cambridge (Mr. Lane) asked me a Question about comparative fuel costs. There is no evidence that the price of natural gas is, or will be, adversely affected by those companies which decide to move to the Dutch part of the Continental Shelf.