§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the precise functions of Professor Odell in his Department, the terms of his appointment, whether full or part time and the remuneration agreed to be paid.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Macfarlane) given on 17th November 1977. Professor Odell's work for my Department is being undertaken within a programme of research and study on the oil industry which he is conducting on his own behalf. His work for the Department is, therefore, on a part-time basis. It is not the normal practice to reveal fees paid to individual consultants since this is a matter of commercial confidence.