HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc5-6W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how the embargo on the supply of North Sea crude oil to South Africa is monitored to ensure that it is observed.

Mr. Gray

Her Majesty's Government have made it clear to the companies concerned that they expect them to direct exports of United Kingdom continental shelf crude oil to the markets of our EC and IEA partners, although it accepts that established patterns of trade outside those areas may be maintained. There is no established pattern of trade in crude oil with South Africa. Her Majesty's Government have no evidence to suggest that their guidelines are not being observed.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much North Sea crude oil has been exported to markets outside the membership of the International Energy Agency since May 1979; and if he will provide details of the quantities and destinations.

Mr. Gray

Information on both the quantities and destinations of all UKCS crude oil exports is published annually in the Brown Book. The following countries are IEA members: EC member States (except France) Austria, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any evidence that North Sea crude oil is shipped from Rotterdam to South Africa in contravention of the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Gray

No.