Exhibit 24.5
                                                                                
    
                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS     


    
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form F-4 of our reserve report dated July 18, 1996, relating to the
estimated quantities of proved reserves of oil and gas attributable to certain
interests of Alliance Resources Plc for the period ended April 30, 1996, and to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
     



    
                                        RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                        PETROLEUM ENGINEERS     


    
Houston, Texas
February 12, 1997