§ 11. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to complete the allocations to exploration company applicants of blocks in the lastest round of North sea concession areas.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)Consultations on the 10th round are now taking place. I expect the round to be completed some time next year.
§ Mr. DykesWill my right hon. Friend confirm that, despite the fall in the oil price, he and the Government expect a healthy weight of applications? Will he further confirm, not only that the timetable will be kept, but that British companies will get more than their fair share of these applications?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWith regard to the 10th round, what matters is the price of oil, not today, but in the 1990s. The oil industry is a long-term, continuing industry. I am glad to say that I have had every indication from the oil industry that it welcomes the announcement of this round and intends to support it.
§ Mr. RowlandsDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to pursue previous practice and ensure that, in any developments arising from those blocks, conditions relating to United Kingdom rates and yards will be included in the licence conditions?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWhile licence applications are being considered, every oil company making an application has interviews with my Department. I shall certainly bear very much in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said. As he knows, I am determined that the United Kingdom should play a full part in the development of the industry, particularly the new high technology.