§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received during the last 12 months from the Common Market Commission regarding oil landings from North Sea oil rigs in the United Kingdom; and if he will undertake to resist any attempts that may be made by the Commission to reduce such landings and resultant refining processes in the United Kingdom, even if action should be taken against the United Kingdom in the courts of the Community.
§ Mr. BennRepresentations have been received from the Commission on this subject. We have told the Commission that we see no reason to doubt that the landing requirement is compatible with the Treaty of Rome. The landing requirement is an important part of our oil policy, and I shall continue to maintain it, as an essential national interest.