ABSTRACT
The panel discussion at the end of the conference provided an opportunity for considering some wider issues linked with structural change in the oil industry. Not unnaturally the panel were asked to ponder the likely course and consequences of future structural change. Next, the panel analysed the political instability of the Gulf area as a continuing stimulus to exploration and development of alternative oil supplies. Turning to the home scene, they considered the implication of restrictions on low cost Middle East oil production for the depletion profile of United Kingdom oil reserves. Finally, attention was directed towards the related natural gas situation in the UK and whether the case against restricted supplies might also apply here. The panel consisted of Peter Beck, David Howell MP, Walid Khadduri, Colin Robinson and John Wiggins. The questions were contributed by John Mitchell (Matthew Hall Engineering), Paul Stevens, Tom Philips (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and Ian Hargreaves (Financial Times).
