§ Q2. Mr. Meacherasked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of his public speech at Birmingham on 16th February on economic matters.
§ The Prime MinisterI did so on 16th February, Sir.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Prime Minister was unwise to mention that the Government are taking the opportunity to exploit North Sea gas and oil. What is he doing to stop what has been publicly exposed as the most gigantic spree of palpable deception by Ministers at the taxpayers' expense? What is he doing to recover the £1,500 million of tax losses and to renegotiate the fourth round of licensing when the oil companies made their biggest gains ever and made the British Government look absolute fools?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman is hopelessly out in his statement. As the oil has not yet been produced, obviously there have been no profits and there will not be any for another two years. He must wait for the Government's comments on the report by the Public Accounts Committee.