§ LORD BALOGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the review of the licensing procedure for oil exploration in the North Sea has been completed, and whether new principles have been established for further licences and when a new round of licensing would be initiated.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, the review is not yet complete; its outcome will be reported to Parliament as soon as it is. I can give an assurance that there will not be a further general round of licensing before it is complete.
§ LORD BALOGHMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer, and may I remark, in passing, that I am delighted that I did not lose my sparring partner on this Question? May I, however, ask whether, in view of the Norwegian decision to begin licensing again, it would not be better to speed up the process of consultations and reviews?
§ LORD DRUMALBYNWell, my Lords, the review is proceeding with all speed. If it is possible to speed it up 823 I am sure it will be further speeded up. The next Question of the noble Lord deals with consultation.