§ 28. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the next list will be issued giving the names of the companies which have been allocated area blocks for gas and oil exploration in the North Sea.
§ Sir J. EdenAs I told my hon. Friend the Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis) on 22nd December, 1971, I expect to be able to announce further allocations of licences early this year.—[Vol. 828, c. 396.]
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes the Minister recall that in June last year 15 blocks were offered and a total of £135 million was received because they were put to the highest bidder? Is it not a fact that the Government are now offering 421 blocks but have not yet received 300 applications for them? What is the matter with the auctioneer? Has he passed away? Or do the Government no longer believe in competition, which they have always claimed to be one of their first principles, and do they intend to give these blocks to their dearest friends?
§ Sir J. EdenThe hon. Gentleman is somewhat mixed up on this. He will recall that the auction was an experimental procedure affecting a limited number of blocks, the remainder being subject to a form of discretionary allocation. I announced the first part on 22nd December, in relation to the southern area of the North Sea. I expect to be able to make an announcement in respect of the Celtic Sea and the West Orkneys areas in about two or three weeks. I cannot pin it down exactly, but it will be about that time. Finally, I hope to be in a position to announce those allocated in the northern area of the North Sea in about two months. That will complete it.
§ Mr. LaneTo amplify that encouraging reply, will my hon. Friend confirm that nearly all the discoveries of oil and gas so far have been made by private enterprise companies, at negligible cost to the taxpayer, and that the Government will continue to give every encouragement to further exploration?
§ Sir J. EdenOn both points, yes, Sir.