The Oil Industry and Government Strategy in the North Sea

The impact of North Sea oil and gas on the British economy is examined thoroughly in this book. It explores why the early years of the 1980s, when oil production had risen to the level of self-sufficiency and beyond were years of recession and unemployment. The book compares the record of British government policy with that of Norway, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Australia and Japan. Issues such as long – term energy policy are also examined.

Originally published in 1980, this book presents a comparative analysis of British and Norwegian oil policies, focusing on the interdependence and bargaining relationship between governments and oil companies, as well as the policy choices, concerns and constraints for the two governments. The perspective is largely that of a government planner, whose main concerns are the long-term and complex interests of the state, orderly development as well as social and political stability.