§ Mr. Moyleasked the Minister of Power to what extent, in approving the price of 2.87d. per therm for the contract for natural gas between Phillips and the Gas Council, he took into account the proportion of the price per therm for Dutch natural gas, both internally and for export at the Dutch border, which is paid to the Dutch Government as opposed to the suppliers.
§ Mr. MasonI keep myself informed of developments in Holland and elsewhere which could be relevant to United Kingdom policy on the exploitation of the North Sea. Negotiations for the purchase of gas lie between the Gas Council and the producers and the Phillips contract was concluded without the need for Government intervention.