§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Prime Minister whether he will list the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Energy.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Secretary of State for Energy is responsible for policies in relation to all forms of energy including conservation and the development of new sources of energy. He is also responsible for international aspects of energy policy. His responsibilities include the Government's relationships with the nationalised coal, gas and electricity industries, the Atomic Energy Authority and the British National Oil Corporation, and sponsorship of the nuclear power construction industry and the oil industry. The Secretary of State is responsible for the Government interest in the development of the oil and gas resources on the British sector of the continental shelf and for the Offshore Supplies Office in its role of developing the ability of United Kingdom suppliers to meet the needs of offshore operators on the United Kingdom continental shelf and world-wide. He is in charge of participation talks with oil 285W companies licensed to operate offshore and for the implementation of participation agreements already concluded.