HC Deb 25 May 1979 vol 967 cc280-1W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on Government policy towards the recent rationing of fuel oil by oil exporting countries; and what steps he intends to take to ensure adequate supplies to essential industries, in particular the chemical industry.

Mr. David Howell

The United Kingdom has joined with its IEA and EEC partners in an agreement to reduce oil consumption by 5 per cent. in order to restore a balance between world oil supply and demand. The measures taken by the United Kingdom to meet this obligation include reduced oil burn in electricity generation and economy measures within the public sector. Provided that these are accompanied by reasonable economies on the part of other consumers, United Kingdom users, including the chemical industry, should secure their reasonable requirements, although there will be difficulties from time to time for some consumers. The Government are keeping a very close watch on the position. If the situation worsens, we do not rule out Government action to ensure adequate supplies to essential users.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Energy for every month during the latest available six-month period, how many barrels of crude oil were (a) exported from and (b) imported into the United Kingdom; and what percentage in each case comprised heavy crude and light crude.

Mr. Moore

Definitions of "heavy" and "light" crude are relative terms, depending on origin, and there are no generally accepted universal standards.

Because of industrial action, up-to-date data from the overseas trade statistics is not yet available. The following provisional estimates are based therefore on

CRUDE OIL (EXCLUDING PROCESS OIL)
UK IMPORTS UK EXPORTS
Million (1) Barrels 34° API and below Above 34° API Million (1) Barrels 34° API and below Above 34° API
% % % %
October 1978 … … 46.1 65 35 16.2 1 99
November 1978 … 43.1 65 35 16.6 2 98
December 1978 … … 40.1 60 40 19.7 2 98
January 1979 … … 42.6 70 30 22.2 1 99
February 1979 … … 36.0 60 40 23.2 1 99
March 1979 … … 29.3 70 30 19.3 1 99
(1) Obtained by converting tonnes by an average factor of 7.35 barrels/tonne