HC Deb 12 November 1979 vol 973 cc429-30W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much United Kingdom oil has been sold by State corporations under Government-to-Government trading arrangements.

Mr. Gray

None.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy for how many years the British National Oil Corporation has made forward sales of crude oil; and whether the Corporation is in a position to take up any further commitments for delivery in 1980.

Mr. Gray

I refer my hon. Friend to the British National Oil Corporation's 1978 accounts for a full description of BNOC's forward oil purchase agreement with BritOil Inc. I understand that, as foreshadowed in my announcement of 13 September, BNOC is at present negotiating with its customers to receive payment in advance for some of the oil which it expects to deliver in 1980–81. I am asking the chairman to write to my hon. Friend about the scope for further delivery commitments for 1980.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate the tonnage and value of United Kingdom oil sold by the British National Oil Corporation in each EEC country during the past year and the percentage of total Corporation availability in that year.

Mr. Gray

This is a commercial matter for the Corporation and I am asking the chairman of the British National Oil Corporation if he can be of help to my hon. Friend.

Back to