§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy towards European Community projects for the North Sea for joint exploration; and how these fit in with his conception of the BNOC.
§ Mr. VarleyThe proposed EEC Council regulation for support to common projects for hydrocarbons exploration, on which an explanatory memorandum has been submitted to the 387W House—Reference No. R/3333/74, Document No. 8—is not directed towards the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea, though it could find application there. I would refer the hon. Member to my remarks in the debate on 11th February.—[Vol. 886, c. 239.] Specific proposals for joint activities involving the BNOC will be considered on their merits as and when they are received after BNOC is established.