§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the results of his Department, after 13 months of the present Government, in achieving the policy programme which he set it on assuming office.
§ Mr. David HowellEvents over the period since we took office have strongly emphasised the importance of making the best use of our indigenous energy resources and of working at home and internationally for reduced dependence on oil. Our decisions on pricing policy and the efficient use of energy on the nuclear programme, on coal strategy and encouraging oil enterprise in the North Sea represent major steps in developing United Kingdom energy policy on a comprehensive long term basis. I expect to make a statement to the House shortly on depletion policy. We shall continue to keep the position under review in the light of developments and evolve our policy accordingly.