HC Deb 10 December 1973 vol 866 cc12-3W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend the Continental Shelf Act 1964 further to facilitate the recovery of oil from the Continental Shelf and properly to tackle the ancillary matters.

Mr. Tom Boardman

All aspects of Continental Shelf policy are now under review. A statement will be made to Parliament as soon as the review is complete.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Her Majesty's Government will consider establishing a posted price or tax reference price for crude oil secured from the United Kingdom section of the Continental Shelf similar to that prevailing in the Persian Gulf.

Mr. Tom Boardman

I cannot anticipate the outcome of the review of Continental Shelf policy. Taxation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.