Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 September 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 October 2002. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Thursday, 17 October 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what discussions she has held in the last three months with (a) the oil industry, (b) the road haulage industry, (c) UK emergency services and (d) representatives of business organisations about the secure supply of fuels in the event of an oil price spike consequent upon a conflict in Iraq; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 15 October 2002).

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has held in the last three months with (a) the oil industry, (b) the road haulage industry, (c) UK emergency services and (d) representatives of business organisations about the secure supply of fuels in the event of an oil price spike consequent upon a conflict in Iraq; and if she will make a statement. [74440] Mr. Wilson: [holding answer 15 October 2002]: The Department maintains an ongoing dialogue with the oil industry and other Government Departments who have primary responsibility for the road haulage industry and the UK emergency services. There are agreed procedures in place in case of possible disruption of fuel supplies. We stand ready to discuss issues of the security of oil supplies with other business organisations, should they wish to do so. We shall continue to keep the situation under review.

Secondary information