HC Deb 15 June 1979 vol 968 cc360-1W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to 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 Howell

As 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.