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.

Seven papers which were presented to an international conference held in Torsberg, Norway. All have been revised for publication and are followed by a summary of the discussion in the relevant session.

Written by the leading expert in the history of UK energy, this study provides new, in-depth analysis of the development of UK petroleum policies towards the North Sea based on full access to the Government’s relevant archives.

A strategic resource which is heavily influenced by international politics, North Sea oil and gas production has become an important economic and symbolic issue. Comparing the different government policies of Denmark, Great Britain, and Norway, Andersen explores the strategies each country uses and explains the resulting developments. He stresses that these differences reflect the resource base, lobbying patterns, and governmental need for revenue--emphasizing the importance of national policy paradigms underlying policy formation.