§ 24. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement regarding the negotiations between his Department and Norway on gas-gathering systems.
§ Mr. GrayMy Department is in close contact with the Norwegians on gas-gathering. We have made it clear that the United Kingdom is flexible on options for landing Norwegian gas here—for instance we would consider the possibility of Norwegian Statfjord gas coming to the United Kingdom for the early years only. We confirmed our willingness to examine any proposal the Norwegians may put forward on possible re-export to the Continent of new supplies of Norwegian gas landed in the United Kingdom. I understand that the Norwegian Government have not yet taken a decision on disposal of Norwegian Statfjord gas. In my view, sale to the United Kingdom would be the most economic option.