§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy with regard to the BNOC claim, in its contribution to the pending energy debate, that for maximum freedom of action in the development of management of Great Britain's offshore oil reserve the oil sector should be completely State managed like 353W the coal, gas, electricity and nuclear energy industries.
§ Mr. BennThe statement referred to by the hon. Member is taken out of context. BNOC's paper explains the importance of the private sector contributing, in partnership with the public sector, to North Sea exploration and development. As the hon. Member knows, the Government's policy towards public ownership in the North Sea in current licences is to negotiate majority State participation with the private sector companies in commercial oilfields. In the fifth round of licensing, to be held later this year, applications will be invited on the basis that the State corporations will between them have a 51 per cent. share in every licence.