Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the inquiry into (a) mismanagement in the Libyan National Oil Corporation and (b) fuel smuggling.

We are aware of reports about, and would welcome an inquiry being established to address, allegations regarding the National Oil Corporation (NOC), relating to fuel smuggling and the criminal gangs who benefit from it. The NOC plays a vital role in the stability and prosperity of Libya. Efforts must be made to achieve greater control over Libyan oil resources and gain information on how it is being consumed at such an alarming rate. The UK stands ready to support the Libyan Government in achieving this.