§ 34. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology if he is satisfied that the change of regime in Libya will not endanger energy supplies to this country; if he will seek to ensure that security of supply is given a higher priority than cheapness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold LeverThe recent change of regime in Libya has not affected oil supplies to this country in any way and 1 have noted the new regime's undertaking to honour all oil concessions. The Government's fuel policy pays full attention to security of supply; diversification of sources is reducing the risk of a shortfall in supplies to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. EadieBut would not my right hon. Friend agree that such a situation as exists in Libya is the cause of great anxiety when we depend so much on energy supplies outwith this country? How long has the contract to run with which we were saddled by hon. Gentlemen opposite for very expensive gas from Libya?
§ Mr. LeverI cannot give my hon. Friend offhand that last statistic, but I can understand his zeal for wanting us to take into account—as we do—the usefulness of domestic supplies of energy, but I cannot cut off oil supplies. What I can do is to assure my hon. Friend that we are taking every step to ensure our security in respect of oil supplies.