§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that the Commission of the European Economic Community has framed a regulation, approved by the European Parliament, which will make it compulsory for all member countries to hold 90 days' stock of oil and oil products; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this does not adversely affect British energy producers, in particular the coal industry.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Commission's proposed directive has not yet been approved by the Council, but the target of 90 days' stocks has our full support. I cannot see that it would in any way adversely affect the interests of our energy producers.