§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that the projected British Petroleum takeovers in Germany and the Netherlands will not result in loss of jobs in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement upon the economic implications of these bids.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettI have been asked to reply.
BP say that its investment plans for the United Kingdom would not be affected by the proposed acquisitions and consider that its proposals should protect jobs in this country which might otherwise be at risk.