§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Energy on what dates the working group set up in 1974 comprising members drawn from banking, his Department and the Treasury met; if details of their deliberations are available; and which civil servants from his Department attend these meetings.
§ Mr. David HowellI assume the hon. Member is referring to the informal working group on financing of North Sea oil 205W operations which is chaired by the Bank of England. Details of its deliberations are not available. The working group has met on 11 occasions, approximately every six months, since it began in 1975. A number of my officials who advise on matters in which the group has an interest have attended the meetings.