HC Deb 14 June 1971 vol 819 cc13-4
15. Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to foster the purchase of oil from Nigeria and to reduce Great Britain's present dependence on Middle East oil supplies.

Sir J. Eden

This is a commercial matter for the companies concerned.

Mr. Cordle

Would not my hon. Friend agree that this is something that we should pursue with the utmost vigour, especially in view of the recent negotiations in the Middle East, and also because of the need to secure for British goods a full share in expanding Nigerian markets?

Sir J. Eden

I agree with my hon. Friend that diversifying our sources of oil supplies is important, and in this respect what we get from Nigeria is quite significant.