§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will discontinue the practice of permitting the British National Oil Corporation to take oil in kind in a period of over supply.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have powers, under licence model clauses, to require licensees to make deliveries of petroleum in place of royalties. My policy on the use of these powers is kept under review but presently remains as my right hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Lawson) told the House on 30 June 1982, at column306. The BNOC acts as my agent in disposing of royalty oil taken in kind, and the proceeds thereof are remitted to me.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to wind up the British National Oil Corporation or to abolish mandatory participation rights.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 1 August to the hon. Member for Renfrew, West and Inverclyde (Mrs. McCurley), on 1 August, at column 295.