HC Deb 28 November 1973 vol 865 cc143-4W
33. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any practical agreement has been reached with the support of Her Majesty's Government on energy policy in the EEC and on the transportation, storage and use of oil ; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Davies

At their Council in May energy Ministers of the Community, including my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry, adopted a number of Commission proposals on practical energy matters. A scheme of support for Community products in the crude oil and natural gas sector was agreed. The energy Ministers also adopted a directive under which member States would take powers to control the use of oil stocks, restrain consumption and regulate prices, and would draw up contingency plans for implementing these powers in the event of an emergency. We have complied with this directive.