§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he has had with United Kingdom interests on EEC common energy policy; and if he will make a statement about the implications of North Sea oil.
§ Mr. John SmithMy Department has regular consultations on proposals for EEC common energy measures both with the nationalised industries in the fuel sector and with appropriate firms in the private sector. Consultations of this kind are normal in the formulation of all aspects of energy policy. On the implications of North Sea oil, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Farnworth (Mr. Roper)—[Vol. 891, c.330.]. I would of course always be ready to consider any ways in which these consultations could be improved.