§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the fact that existing licensees may require the North Sea oil which they have so far discovered in order to meet existing contracts or marketing requirements, he will not, in the national interest, permit BNOC to exercise its 51 per cent. option in such cases.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonIn the negotiation and operation of participation agreements, the national interest will always be taken into account.