§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether it is the intention of the Government to give British companies operating on the Continental Shelf, and accepting 51 per cent. participation agreements with BNOC, compensation in the event of consequent infringements of Articles 86 and 87 of the Rome Treaties.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonNo. We do not expect Article 86 to be infringed. Article 87, which lays duties on the Council of Ministers, does not apply.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will submit to the Commission and/or the European Court of Justice a case to determine whether it is possible under European law for petroleum companies to form a cartel with BNOC.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonNo occasion for a submission on these lines has arisen. Neither Her Majesty's Government nor BNOC intend to enter into agreements which will infringe the Treaty of Rome.
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§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will give customers in the EEC and BNOC equal access to North Sea oil in accordance with the Rome Treaties providing commercial prices are offered and paid.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonNeither Her Majesty's Government nor BNOC intend to enter into agreements which will infringe the Treaty of Rome.