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Description
This programme looks at the way in which North Sea Oil has influenced Britain's relations with international organisations, multinational companies and the countries of the EEC.
This programme looks at the way in which North Sea Oil has influenced Britain's relations with international organisations, multinational companies and the countries of the EEC.
| Module code and title: | D203, Decision making in Britain |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D203; 15; 1977 |
| First transmission date: | 15-09-1977 |
| Published: | 1977 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Carol Haslam |
| Contributors: | James Barber; Tony Benn; Peter Odell |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | 1973 crisis; Economy |
| Footage description: | James Barber introduces the programme by giving students advice about the features to look for in the programme. Over film of an oil rig being floated, he explains the new significance of North Sea Oil to the UK in the light of the 1973 crisis. Peter Odell, Professor of Economic Geography at Rotterdam, describes how the oil companies and the government revised their opinions about the oil in the North Sea and its importance for the British Economy. James Barber describes the pattern of oil finds in the early 1970s. Archive film of the Queen and Harold Wilson at the opening of the Forties Field pipeline in November 1975. Tony Benn, Energy Minister, describes how oil will improve Britains economic position in the world. Vicomte DAvignon, Chairman of the International Energy Agency, explains how Britains oil placed her in a strong position within the Agency. Over film of the EEC Parliament, Jim Barber describes the problem of energy resources within the Community. Graphics are used to show the output of oil by the Community between 1974 and 198O. Henri Simonet, EEC Commissioner for Energy, 1973 1976, expresses dismay at Britains policy over energy resources and explains that the EEC has no control over the rate of depletion of a nations natural resources. The approach towards energy reflects a general reluctance by Britain to accept the full responsibility of being part of the Community. Tony Benn argues that oil puts Britain in a strong position within the community. A constructive attitude must be taken towards the EECs energy needs but Britain must never give up vital national interests. Britains domestic policy is designed to deal with the weak position governments have with international oil companies. Geoffrey Chandler, a Director of Shell Petroleum, argues that oil companies, although they have influence, have no power which compares with sovereign power of governments. Tony Benn however argues that oil companies are sovereign states and that the best way in which governments can deal with them is to sign treaties with them. He then goes on to describe the measures initiated by the new Labour Government in 1974 to deal with the oil companies. These were Petroleum Revenue Tax, the Petroleum and Submarines Pipeline Act, Participation talks and the setting up of the British National Oil Corporation. After this the government obtained agreements about the purchase of equipment and trade union recognition. The oil companies now prefer these types of arrangements to the threat of confiscation and involved legal provisions. Geoffrey Chandler argues that the BNOC and the participation of the government in the development of fields were irrelevant in practical terms. BNOC in particular is a problem as it is expected to play a dual role; it is an operator and also an instrument of government. It is impossible to create an oil company overnight. Peter Odell argues that there will always be a conflict of interests between countries and multinationals as they have different objectives. Britain has failed to ensure a guaranteed market and a price for her oil products. James Barber explains why this was important to the government and why they sought a minimum safe-guard price for the oil. Shots of EEC leaders arriving in Rome in 1975. Harold Wilson explains why Britain wanted to obtain a separate seat to the EEC at the Paris International Commodity Conference. Britain eventually attended this conference as part of the Community Team. Henri Simonet describes the Community response to this separate application. The British attitude to the Commission has been one of malign neglect. Tony Benn defends the British position, which he sees as a way of safeguarding our national interest against the oil companies, other community members and the world community as a whole. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72560 |
| Production number: | 00525_2397 |
| Videofinder number: | 3419 |
| Available to public: | no |
