§ 10. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary for Mines the number of licences that have been granted by his Department for the purpose of oil prospecting in Great Britain during the last 12 months; and will he give particulars?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThirty oil prospecting licences have been granted during the last 12 months. These licences were granted to the D'Arcy Exploration Company, Limited, and particulars of the situation and the boundaries of the licensed areas were published in the London Gazette of 19th November, 1935.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PALINGAre any conditions imposed in granting these licences to see that the amenities of the countryside are preserved?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe details of the conditions on which licences are granted have been published in the Petroleum Regulations.
§ Mr. MATHERSWill the hon. and gallant Member bear in mind that without prospecting there is an area in this country where oil can be produced from shale? I am referring to Mid and West Lothian.