asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the position on the inquiries made by the European Corn-mission into aspects of United Kingdom North Sea oil policies.

My discussions with the Commission on the three aspects of our North Sea oil policies on which it has raised queries—the full and fair opportunity policy, the landing requirement, and the central management and control provision in our petroleum licences—have now been concluded. The Commission has confirmed that in present circumstances it is satisfied with the explanations I gave it of our policies and procedures on these issues.