HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 c17W
35. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has for priority allocation of energy resources.

Mr. David Howell

Under the powers of the Energy Act 1976, contingency plans exist for controlling the distribution of fuels if the need arises. However, as I told the House on 11 June, I do not consider it necessary or appropriate to invoke those powers in relation to the current level of shortfall in oil supplies to the United Kingdom market. On 2 July I stated that the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association had undertaken to handle the requirements of customers with particular problems as flexibly and swiftly as supply constraints allowed.