HC Deb 03 December 1973 vol 865 cc256-7W
Mr. Laurence Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he intends to seek relating to preventing the re-export of oil piped to Great Britain from the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Under arrangements so far made the only oil from the Norwegian Continental Shelf to be piped to the United Kingdom will be from the Ekofisk field and neighbouring areas. Under Articles 16 and 19 of the Agreement made between the United Kingdom and Norwegian Governments, which came into force on 22nd May 1973, the United Kingdom Government shall place no obstacles in the way of its transportation to Norway by sea. The text of the agreement was presented to Parliament as Cmnd. 5423.

Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he intends to seek relating to preventing the export of oil piped or shipped to Great Britain from oilfields on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.

Mr. Tom Boardman

North Sea oil will not start to come ashore in any quantity until 1975. Our policy on its disposal will be decided in the light of circumstances at the time taking account of both the availability of oil from other sources and our international obligations.

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