HC Deb 07 November 1972 vol 845 c814
Q1. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister why his official visit to Norway, scheduled for 16th-18th November, has been postponed.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

Mr. Korvald and I agreed to postpone my visit to Norway. We both felt that it would be premature if it were to take place so soon after the change of Government in Norway.

Mr. Dalyell

Does the Prime Minister think that we have anything to learn from the Norwegians in the percentage of their oil revenue which accrues to the State?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that we have. I know that Norway takes a particular view about the landings of oil. We, on the other hand, have been very successful in the arrangements that we have made for the exploitation of oil. That, surely, is shown by what is now being produced.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware how much he will be welcomed in Norway whenever he likes to go? Is he aware that ships sail to Norway from my constituency of North Shields, and that we would love him to go by ship if he would sail from there?

The Prime Minister

I should no doubt enjoy that experience. The new Prime Minister has renewed the invitation to me to visit Norway, and we shall fix a date for that in due course.