HC Deb 10 May 1978 vol 949 c500W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate in detail the parties to the tripartite meetings with the oil industry, what he hopes to achieve by the meetings, and the regularity or otherwise of the discussions.

Mr. Benn

I have chaired three meetings with representatives of the oil companies and oil industry trade unions on 13th February, 27th February and 15th March. I expect to arrange further meetings of this kind to discuss a wide range of issues, including both the European surplus of refining capacity and the optimum use of United Kingdom Continental Shelf oil in our own refineries. The aim of the meetings is to enable each of the parties to play an effective part in the definition and achievement of United Kingdom objectives.