HL Deb 20 February 1979 vol 398 c1689

2.41 p.m.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their representatives abroad give equal support to the efforts of BP and of BNOC to do business overseas.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, all British oil companies including British Petroleum and BNOC receive impartial support from the representatives of Her Majesty's Government overseas in their efforts to do business.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, is it not the case that for very many years BP has been the chosen instrument of British policy in the oil business overseas, and is the noble Lord aware that there have been cases where BP seems to have been treated less well than BNOC by embassies abroad?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, in overseas markets BNOC receives the same degree of support from our overseas representatives as any other British oil company. If the noble Earl has any cases of alleged discrimination I shall be glad to look into them and to let him know.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, as always, I am most grateful for his kindness?