HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 c30W
19. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the likely yield of fuels including liquefied petroleum gas from the North Sea; and what discussions he has held with motor car manufacturers about their future engine manufacturing programme.

Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

Most North Sea crudes are lighter than the average crude oil currently being refined in the United Kingdom, and the increasing availability of North Sea oil could eventually lead to a marginal increase in the yield of gasoline and diesel oil at United Kingdom refineries. I do not in any case foresee any difficulty in the availability of either of these fuels in the United Kingdom. LPG supplies will be increased by the recovery of associated gas from North Sea oilfields. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and his Department are in constant touch with the motor industry about its future engine manufacturing programmes.