§ 1. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he can yet report on the review of arrangements for granting onshore licences.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)My right hon. Friend expects to be able to make an announcement early in the new year.
§ Mr. ColvinIs my right hon. Friend aware that this year a record number of onshore licences will be granted —about 63 in all—and that that high level of awards is likely to continue next year? Therefore, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is sufficient liaison between his Department and the Department of the Environment to ensure that the environment is fully protected? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that it is not so much the drilling as such that causes the public concern, but the mess created in gaining access to sites, and that, if wells prove to be dry, adequate safeguards must be provided to ensure that those sites are restored when drilling is complete?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am aware that there is considerable activity at present. It is worth while for us to 2 know what reserves we have on shore. I am fully aware of the justifiable sensitivity to the issue in certain areas, but I assure my hon. Friend that those matters are, of course, subject to local planning controls. Therefore, the simple issue of a licence does not automatically mean that drilling takes place.
§ Mr. AdleyAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State told me that about 35 per cent. of the area in onshore licence section PL 259 is in my constituency, will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity to reassure all my constituents and anybody else's that their rights are protected and that no one can enter their property and start drilling without full permission?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am happy to give that assurance. Any drilling must have the permission of the landowner concerned and local planning consent.