HC Deb 23 April 1975 vol 890 cc329-30W
Mr. Roper

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the United Kingdom will be allowed to discriminate in favour of home-based industries by permitting them access to North Sea oil and gas at more favourable prices than are charged for exporting it.

Mr. John Smith

It is the Government's intention that North Sea oil should be disposed of at market prices. Differential pricing would involve a significant departure from Government policy.

Mr. Roper

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Commission of the Common Market will assume control of the rate of depletion of North Sea oil and gas.

Mr. John Smith

No. The Commission accepts that the British Government has absolute discretion over production rates.

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