§ Mr. Formanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the light of the appearance in the Press of information on Government plans for the use of the benefits from North Sea oil, he will now make a statement.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettNo. The Government intend to publish a discussion paper on the benefits of North Sea oil in the New Year. The purpose of this paper will be to stimulate further debate on this important issue. The Government do not intend to come to a firm view on how the North Sea oil benefits should be used until this further debate has taken place.