HL Deb 28 October 1987 vol 489 c628WA
The Earl of Lauderdale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they propose to take to respond to the views expressed by the International Energy Agency, of which the United Kingdom is a member, that "the international gas trade should be liberalised, for exports as well as imports" and that Her Majesty's Government "should recognise the benefits of integration into the wider European market".

Viscount Davidson

Following privatisation of British Gas, the Government introduced a more open policy on gas exports and imports, which offers increased opportunity for interaction with the wider European market. Under the new policy the Government will give positive consideration to export and import proposals, while paying due regard to security of gas supply and the pace of UKCS activity.