UK Oil Reserves and the EU

HL Deb 23 May 2000 vol 613 cc80-1WA

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the context of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union, they are aware of any suggestions that the United Kingdom's oil reserves should become a common resource of the European Communities; and, if so, what is their reaction to such suggestions. [HL2356]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

There is nothing expressed in any of the articles of the EC Treaty (or of the Treaty on European Union) to support the suggestion that the UK's oil reserves should become a common resource of the European Communities. There can be no doubt that so fundamental a matter would need to be dealt with in the articles of the treaty.

The Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive (94/22/EC) recitals state clearly that "Member States have sovereign rights over hydrocarbon resources on their territories".