§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy by what means Her Majesty's Government intend to secure markets or concessions for their British-owned oil companies.
§ Mr. John SmithThis is generally a commercial matter for the companies concerned.
§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy how far he expects the United Kingdom to be able to supply the needs of the oil industry by the end of the current decade with the prospect of North Sea oil production.
§ Mr. John SmithNorth Sea production is expected to be more than equivalent to total United Kingdom demand in 1980 and will supply the needs of the United Kingdom industry for this type of crude. Not all of this oil will, however, be refined in the United Kingdom because328W of quality and other considerations. Some will be exported and we shall continue to import substantial quantities of Middle East crude.
§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration has been given to using North Sea oil as an aid in securing markets to under-developed countries.
§ Mr. John SmithThere are no such plans at present.