§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to 361W change his policy towards the export of North Sea oil in view of Great Britain's current shortage of petrol; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HowellAs I told the House in my statement on 11 June, I am not satisfied with the arrangements I have found for supplies of oil into the United Kingdom market. We certainly have to trade North Sea oil internationally, and I set out our general expectations for this trade in my answer to the hon. Member for New Forest (Mr. McNair Wilson) on 24 May. But we must get the balance right.