§ Mr. Gowasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make a statement about his discussions with the oil companies on the Government proposals to acquire a 51 per cent. stake in North Sea oil.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to complete the participation plans for Great Britain's stake in North Sea oil.
§ Mr. LeverEight companies have now agreed in principle to 51 per cent. state participation in their North Sea commercial oil fields. The negotiations are continuing to make progress and it is not possible at this stage to forecast when they will be completed.