asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of oil landed in the United Kingdom from United Kingdom North Sea fields was refined in this country during each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he is satisfied that the present proportion is adequate.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th July 1978], gave the following further information:The proportion of oil landed in the United Kingdom from the United Kingdom North Sea fields which was refined in this country during each of the last 12 months for which figures are available was as follows:

Date and percentage of UKCS oil landed in the United Kingdom which was refined here
1977
June	49·6
July	61·8
August	44·1
September	56·6
October	58·1
November	54·8
December	60·4
1978
January	58·9
February	60·0
March	52·6
April	61·2
May	48·5

Almost all the oil companies operating in the North Sea have now signed participation agreements which provide for consultations with my Department about their plans for disposing of their North Sea crude and their United Kingdom refining activities. Our objective in these consultations will be to ensure that the national interest is fully taken into account in the companies' plans.