HC Deb 11 March 1985 vol 75 c35W
Mr. Rowlands

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the amount of United Kingdom North sea oil exported in 1984–85, the amount imported, in million barrels a day and the value of such exports and imports; and what estimates he has made of future exports and imports until 1990.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Overseas trade statistics for February 1985 and March 1985 are not yet available. In the 10 months from April 1984 to January 1985 imports of crude oil were at the rate of 0.5 million barrels a day, and exports were at the rate 1.5 million barrels a day. The value of the imports was £3.5 billion, and the value of the exports was £10.6 billion. Future exports and imports of oil cannot be forecast reliably.

Mr. Rowlands

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many barrels of oil were sold by the British National Oil Corporation in January and February 1985; and how much was sold on the spot market, and how much under term price contracts.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The information requested about sales by the British National Oil Corporation is commercially confidential.

Mr. Rowlands

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of oil production in million barrels a day from the North sea in 1984–85 and for each financial year until 1990.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I expect to be able to announce updated forecasts shortly.