Oil Exploration (Hansard, 25 January 1988)

HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 c12 12

§ 11. Mr. Summerson
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the trend in issues of licences for oil exploration for United Kingdom offshore areas since 1979.

§ Mr. Peter Morrison
There have been four rounds of licensing over this period, at intervals of approximately two years. A total of 285 licences have been issued.

§ Mr. Summerson
In the light of that reply, will the Minister show us the contrast by giving the comparable figures for the period 1974 to 1979?

§ Mr. Morrison
The figure for this Government is 285 licences. During 1974 to 1979, 54 licences were issued. The Government have, therefore, issued over five times that number.