HC Deb 19 March 1979 vol 964 cc1082-3
8. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to chair a meeting of the Energy Commission.

Mr. Benn

I hope to chair a meeting of the Energy Commission during May. We are at present exploring possible dates with members.

Mr. Rost

Will the Secretary of State review the work of the Energy Commission? Is he satisfied that its role has not been much more than a squabbling shop between the vested interests of the nationalised industries? Does it not have a much more important role to play as an independent advisory body which can help the nation to decide on the priorities of research and development, conservation, supply and demand and pricing policies?

Mr. Benn

The Commission is very much in its first stages. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that the development of a planned energy policy over a long period, taking all those and other factors into account, is essential. Market forces are no guide to long-term energy policy for any nation in the world. I am glad to have the hon. Gentleman's confirmation of the wisdom of that view.

Mr. Heffer

With regard to the Energy Commission carrying out the survey in relation to a planned approach, will my right hon. Friend indicate whether it is prepared to look into the question of the relationship to energy in the Common Market? What benefits, if any, has Britain gained in its energy policy from being in the Common Market?

Mr. Benn

A debate on EEC energy policy is to be held in the House tomorrow. It is not the function of the Energy Commission in the United Kingdom to conduct negotiations with the Common Market countries. That function is carried out by Ministers. I would need much more notice to think of any advantage that we have received in the energy sector from our Common Market membership.

Mr. Marten

In view of the possible shortfall in oil, will the Secretary of State bring the House up to date on the EEC proposal for the storing of oil reserves and the distribution thereof?

Mr. Benn

Britain is moving rapidly towards self-sufficiency. We are now the thirteenth largest oil producer in the world, ahead of some OPEC countries. We are the third largest producer in the IEA and, overwhelmingly, the largest and the only serious producer in the EEC. The storage and emergency provisions arrangements within the EEC, and the sharing in the event of a crisis, will appear in their final form before the Energy Council on 27 March. Tomorrow's debate will provide an opportunity for some of these matters to be aired and perhaps it might be better to deal with them at that time.