§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further progress he hasmade in negotiations with the North Sea oil companies in respect of participating rights.
§ Mr. LeverParticipation agreements have already been concluded with Gulf, Conoco and Tricentrol and negotiations with other companies are continuing. The House was also informed on 10th March—Vol. 907, c.216, 217 and 218—that agreement in principle had been reached with Burmah concerning the purchase of its North Sea assets. The purchase of Burmah's interest in the Ninian field by BNOC was formally closed on Monday 29th March.