§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Power if he will ensure that in any reference to him of North Sea gas prices under the Continental Shelf Act, he is supplied with precise information of the costs of exploration, development and production actually incurred by North Sea gas producers.
§ Mr. MarshThe precise costs of producing the gas to be supplied under the contracts now being negotiated will not be known for some years. They will vary from field to field. If the price issue is referred to me under the Continental Shelf Act, 1964, I shall hear the views of the gas industry and the producers and shall have regard to costs as well as other relevant factors.
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Power if he will ensure that the Gas Council is in a position to deliver North Sea gas to area gas boards at a price 234W which will enable them to offer gas for sale on competitive terms to industrial consumers of heavy fuel oil.
§ Mr. MarshThe price at which the Gas Council can deliver North Sea gas to area gas boards will depend on the price they pay the producers, which is still under negotiation.