§ Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what consideration he gave to the disposal of an interest to the public in BNOC (Trading) Limited; why he has decided not to do so; and whether it is his intention to confine the privatisation of the British National Oil Corporation to the disposal of an interest in BNOC (Development) Limited;
§ (2) whether he has considered the privatisation of the British National Oil Corporation as an integrated unit rather than dividing its upstream and downstream operations and the commercial advantages which would accrue from such an integrated unit.
§ Mr. Gray:I have nothing to add to my statement of 19 October and my reply to the right hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dr. Owen).—[Vol. 10, c. 21—2.]
Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he intends to transfer the ownership of assets of the British National Oil Corporation by means of a Public Bill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gray:I shall be introducing legislation to enable me to implement the policy which I announced on 19 October.—(Vol. 10, c. 21.]