HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 c778
15. Mr. Eggar

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to dispose of the British Gas Corporation's offshore oil interests.

Mr. Peter Walker

I hope to complete the disposal of the British Gas Corporation's offshore oil interests as soon as possible.

Mr. Eggar

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he has no intention of letting the sale of offshore oil interests take as long as the sale of onshore oil interests, which has been entirely under the control of the British Gas Corporation? Will he further confirm that potential oil assets will include producing assets and prospective acreage?

Mr. Walker

Yes, I confirm the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. I have no complaint about the progress that has been made in the disposal of offshore and onshore interests over the period for which I have been responsible.

Mr. John Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in replying to question No. 1, which was tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens, North (Mr. Evans), he gave a different answer from that which he gave the hon. Member for Engield, North (Mr. Eggar)? The Government's proposals to sell off public assets are coming out in dribs and drabs. Is the right hon. Gentleman not ashamed of the fact that he is unprepared to answer questions on the Floor of the House in the knowledge that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is to make a specific statement later? We shall be fobbed off with a written answer on which the Government cannot be questioned. Is this not the arrogance of power?

Mr. Walker

When the right hon. and learned Gentleman resumes his place after such an onslaught, he should try to stop smiling.

Mr. John Evans

I am not smiling.

Mr. Walker

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will answer questions for which he is responsible and I shall answer questions for which I am responsible.