§ 21. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is now taking to ensure continued participation of overseas oil companies finance houses in the exploitation of oil in the North Sea.
§ Mr. John SmithOverseas oil companies which are licensees on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf will continue 643W to participate in its deveopment. Overseas companies will also be able to apply for licences in the forthcoming licensing round. The Department keeps in close touch with overseas and British financial institutions and regularly discusses North Sea financing matters with them.