§ Mr. Marlowasked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent trade in oil with EEC countries is dependent on United Kingdom membership of the EEC.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government have made clear that they expect those companies exporting North Sea oil to do so in the markets of our IEA and EC partners. As with other goods, producers naturally take advantage of its proximity and size to sell increasing amounts of oil to the European Community. For their part, our partners welcome the opportunity to purchase from a close and reliable source. Currently the Community purchases some two-thirds of our crude oil exports.