§ 6. Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total production of onshore oil in 1983; and what is the estimated figure for 1984.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithOnshore oil production in 1983 was 324,280 tonnes. I expect 1984 to be around 340,000 to 380,000 tonnes.
§ Mr. CarlisleI am grateful for that reply. Does my right hon. Friend agree that onshore oil is an important and cheap source of fuel for the United Kingdom? Although there are understandable fears on environmental grounds, 997 does he accept that my knowledge of Wytch Farm and onshore oil in Lincolnshire shows that the oil companies take very great trouble to meet local fears? Will his Department make certain that those efforts are known and that the success which attends them is also widely understood and accepted?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he has said. Many of these developments take place with proper regard to the environment, and no development approval is given without the application having gone through the full planning procedures and received planning approval. There is no doubt that in those areas where development has taken place it has added to the economy.
§ Mr. RowlandsIs the Minister aware that there has been considerable concern about the lack of consultation, particularly in relation to licences in the Southampton Water and Solent area? Will he look again at the way in which consultation between local planning authorities and the Department of Energy should be conducted?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have already introduced new onshore licensing procedures which, because they allow for consultation, have been broadly welcomed by all the interests concerned, including environmental interests. I assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that I never proceed on any of these issues without considerable consultations. I have done that in relation to all those exploration and development approvals with which I have been associated.