asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he plans to introduce legislation to allow for private sector participation in the British National Oil Corporation's North Sea operations.

I have already announced Government policies for BNOC following our review of its activities, and our intention to seek any powers necessary to implement these policies including private sector participation in BNOC's North Sea operations. In view of the full parliamentary timetable it is not possible to introduce legislation this Session, but we will do so just as soon as possible.