HC Deb 10 May 1978 vol 949 cc499-500W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the advantages accruing to the British National Oil Corporation which are not shared by or available to a private sector oil company operating in the North Sea.

Dr. Mabon

By virtue of its involvement in offshore operations, BNOC is amassing a unique knowledge of offshore prospects; it has secured rights, through participation agreements, to a significant portion of offshore oil, over and above its own equity interests acquired from the National Coal Board and Burmah Oil. These are substantial advantages, of direct national benefit, which fully vindicate Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to the creation and development of the British National Oil Corporation.