HC Deb 04 July 1983 vol 45 cc24-5W
Mr. John Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Government have received in royalties for offshore oilfields for each financial year since 1979.

Mr. Lawson

[pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1983, c. 180]:

£ millions
Royalties
1978–79 289
1979–80 661
1980–81 992
1981–82 1,387
1982–83 1,643

The figures include any royalties paid in respect of onshore fields.

Mr. John Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the revenue predicted to be received from offshore oilfields will be forgone if royalties are no longer to be required from fields approved for development after April 1982.

Mr. Lawson

[pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1983, c. 180]: The eventual cost depends upon how many fields are developed in the future; there could be an overall additional yield if sufficient fields are developed as a result of the proposal.