HC Deb 05 November 1968 vol 772 cc678-9
32. Mr. Boston

asked the Minister of Power what progress he is making in his study of the future exploration of the Continental Shelf.

Mr. Freeson

It has just begun.

Mr. Boston

I welcome my hon. Friend's statement. Can he give an idea of how long the study is likely to take and whether he will be publishing the results? Does he envisage announcing changes in the licensing procedure before the present arrangements come to an end in 1970 and 1971?

Mr. Freeson

This is a subject which is part of a study which has just begun. There is time available, as the licences do not fall due until 1970 and 1971, so I am sure that we shall be able to come up with the answers well before then.

Mr. Emery

Will the hon. Gentleman say a little more about licences which have not been let, particularly as there is some comment that he should be encouraging the oil companies to begin drilling in the Irish Sea, the Bristol Channel and, indeed, the northern part of the Continental Shelf?

Mr. Freeson

This is one of the matters which will have to be considered as part of the study. There are a number of factors to be taken into account, not least the objectives set out in the Labour Party's recent study document on this subject.