HC Deb 11 June 1979 vol 968 cc40-1W
28. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the current production of North Sea oil will be made available to other industrial countries to implement the oil-sharing scheme of the International Energy Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gray

Activation of the International Energy's oil-sharing scheme would not necessarily result in the United Kingdom allocating oil to other participating countries: the United Kingdom could be a recipient, depending on circumstances. If the United Kingdom was required to transfer oil to other participating countries, all available supplies would be taken into account, whether from the North Sea or elsewhere. It is not possible to say in advance what percentage of current North Sea production might be involved.