asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many foreign flag tankers are now under charter to the British National Oil Corporation, for what purposes they have been chartered; what are the tonnages of the vessels involved; under which flags they sail; if British seamen will be employed on them; if tenders were sought in respect of British-owned tankers for the work involved; and if it is intended to extend the use of foreign vessels by the British National Oil Corporation.
The chartering of vessels is a matter for the corporation and I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member. I understand that, in making charter arrangements, the corporation endeavours, within the technical, commercial and other constraints which apply, to use British tonnage.