§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of oil landed in the United Kingdom from United Kingdom North Sea fields was refined in this country during each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he is satisfied that the present proportion is adequate.
§ Dr. Mabon,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th July 1978], gave the following further information:
The proportion of oil landed in the United Kingdom from the United Kingdom North Sea fields which was refined in this country during each of the last 12 months for which figures are available was as follows:
Date and percentage of UKCS oil landed in the United Kingdom which was refined here 1977 June 49.6 July 61.8 August 44.1 September 56.6 October 58.1 November 54.8 December 60.4 1978 January 58.9 February 60.0 March 52.6 April 61.2 May 48.5 Almost all the oil companies operating in the North Sea have now signed participation agreements which provide for consultations with my Department about their plans for disposing of their North Sea crude and their United Kingdom refining activities. Our objective in these consultations will be to ensure that the national interest is fully taken into account in the companies' plans.