asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, as outlined in the comprehensive peace agreement, they expect a national petroleum commission for the whole of the Sudan to be established in the near future. [HL239]

The National Petroleum Commission (NPC) was established on 30 October 2005 and held its first meeting on 26 November 2005. The NPC, however, has been slow to make progress, with disagreements between the comprehensive peace agreement parties over its mandate and the establishment of its secretariat. We continue to urge both parties to resolve their differences of opinion, and raised the issue with First Vice-President Kiir during his recent visit to the UK.