asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any discussion took place within the machinery of the European Economic Community or otherwise, on the supply of gas by pipeline from the United Kingdom to France, prior to the arrangements made for gas supply to France from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The Governments of France and the United Kingdom maintain close links on matters of mutual interest, through the Community and otherwise. Gas supplies to Western Europe is one topic that is currently being discussed within the Community. The French Government would be aware that, given the current balance between supply and demand in the United Kingdom, Her Majesty's Government see no scope at present for exports of United Kingdom gas, and there have been no specific discussions on this matter.