HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc136-7W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list, by percentage, the share of total current North Sea oil production uplifted by the following companies: Chevron Petroleum Co. Ltd., Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd., Gulf Oil Corporation, Mobil Oil Corporation, Shell U.K. Ltd., Texaco North Sea U.K. Ltd. and British Petroleum.

Mr. Gray

Information on liftings of petroleum from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf is commercially confidential.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list, by percentage, the ownership of current oil and gas production in the North Sea by nation States, via companies ultimately registered in these States.

Mr. Gray

Information on production of oil and gas from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf in 1979 and on licensee company interests was published in the Secretary of State's report to Parliament (the 1980 Brown Book) a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. To provide more detailed information in the form requested by the hon. Member would breach commercial confidentiality since details of field unitisation and participation arrangements could not adequately be protected.