HC Deb 11 February 1983 vol 36 c477W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what responsibility Her Majesty's Government have for ensuring that Norwegian crude oil landed at Teesside is not supplied to South Africa in contravention of the Norwegian embargo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

The disposal of Norwegian crude oil from the North Sea is essentially a matter for the Norwegian Government.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to the swap arrangements made by British oil companies to supply United Kingdom crude oil to replace supplies delivered directly to South Africa.

Mr. Rifkind

Any such arrangements would be a matter for the companies concerned. From contacts with the major British oil companies we believe that instances of such arrangements have been very rare.