asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to prevent contractor finance arrangements being set against petroleum revenue tax by oil companies.

[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1980]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers) on 1 July.—[Vol. 987, c. 523-5].

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the allowances made to oil companies before petroleum revenue tax is due, what has been the total allowed to cover interest repayments on loans in each year since 1975.

[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1980]: None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many oil companies have applied for a waiver or refund on the amount of petroleum revenue tax they pay; how many have been granted; and what is the estimated cash value of such waivers or refunds.

[pursuant to his reply, 4 December 1980]: There are no provisions in the petroleum revenue tax legislation akin to the royalty refund provisions of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipelines Act 1975.