HC Deb 04 April 1967 vol 744 cc17-8
25. Mr. Fitt

asked the Minister of Power what plans he has for increasing the rate of exploration for natural gas and oil in the Irish Sea area.

7. Mr. Fitt

asked the Minister of Power how many licences have been issued for exploration to discover natural gas and oil in the Irish Sea.

Mr. Marsh

With permission I will answer Question No. 25 and Written Question No. 7 together.

Eighteen exploration licences and one production licence are current. The exploration licences entitle the holders to search for, but not to get, oil and gas over an area of approximately 5,000 square miles of the Irish Sea. The production licence entitles the holder to search for, and get, oil and gas over an area of approximately 500 square miles. I am considering extension of the area covered by the exploration licences.

Mr. Fitt

In thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether any discussions have taken place with the Government of the Republic of Ireland which are likely to bring immediate benefit to both countries in this matter?

Mr. Marsh

This is an interesting development, because the researches which I have been able to make show that my hon. Friend is the first Irish Member of the House to ask a Question of the Ministry of Power—which only goes to prove something or other. As to further licences, if sufficient interest were shown I would certainly be prepared to invite further applications for production licences in the Irish Sea. If the Government of Northern Ireland wish to hold discussions, we would, of course, be very pleased to follow through any views which my hon. Friend may be making on their behalf.