§ 29. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Power to what extent it is his policy that the price of 5d. a therm to be paid by the Gas Council for natural gas discovered by British Petroleum in the North Sea is to set a norm for the price to be charged in general for North Sea gas.
§ 37. Mr. Norwoodasked the Minister of Power if he will give an account of the negotiations concerning the price at which North Sea gas will be landed in this country; and if he will give an indication of its likely level.
§ Mr. MarshThe negotiations on the price of North Sea gas are confidential; but there is no question of the price to be paid by British Petroleum setting a norm. Both the Gas Council and the companies are fully aware of my close interest in the outcome because of its importance for fuel policy and for the economy as a whole. I will give the House full information as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ 40. Mr. Michael Shawasked the Minister of Power when he will make an announcement about the Government's policy for rapid exploitation of the North Sea gas fields.
§ Mr. MarshI hope to be able to inform the House about plans for the exploitation of North Sea gas, as part of the current fuel policy review, in the early part of next year.