HC Deb 02 May 1967 vol 746 cc31-2W
43. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power what plans he has to enable the benefits of the recent discoveries of oil and gas in the North Sea and the sale of their products to be passed on to Scottish consumers in the form of reduced prices.

Mr. Marsh

Only natural gas has so far been found in commercial quantities. Its price to consumers, when it becomes available in Scotland, will depend upon a number of factors which cannot at this stage be known.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power if he will now state the prices and conditions of supply of North Sea oil and gas to British consumers.

Mr. Marsh

The price and conditions under which this gas will be supplied to British consumers will depend on the outcome of the negotiations between the Gay Council and the producers, on which discussions are continuing. Oil has not yet been found in commercial quantities in the North Sea.