HC Deb 14 December 1972 vol 848 c192W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a table showing the royalty charges on oil in each oil producing country; and if he will indicate in each case when the charge was increased and by how much.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The information in the form sought is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Royalty rates vary not only between countries but between contracts in individual countries; and different methods are used for assessing the value on which they are charged.

Following are the ranges of rates in force in certain countries in 1972:

  • Middle East—12— per cent., but on a sliding scale to 16 per cent. in some cases.
  • USA—12— per cent.-16⅔ per cent.
  • Nigeria—10 per cent.-12½ per cent.
  • Australia—10 per cent.-12½ per cent.
  • W. Germany½5 per cent.
  • Norway—8 per cent.-16 per cent.
  • Netherland—0 per cent.-16 per cent.
  • Denmark—5 per cent.-12½ per cent.