HL Deb 21 May 1975 vol 360 cc1280-1

2.38 p.m.

Lord CLIFFORD of CHUDLEIGH

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they are going to authorise drilling for oil in the English Channel and Western Approaches.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of ENERGY (Lord Balogh)

My Lords, I am unable at present to say when licences may be made available for these areas, but since the last round of licensing was held over three years ago, thought and consideration is naturally being given to further licensing.

Lord CLIFFORD of CHUDLEIGH

My Lords, is it not true, as rumoured in the South-West, that the delay in agreeing upon the dividing line with the French is due to the French claiming the Channel Islands and putting the Scillies in a wrong geographical position? And have they not already jumped the gun by the licence they have given North of Ushant? Secondly, if we give way on the Scillies position, shall we not be in danger of losing the argument with the Irish regarding the Rockall position?

Lord BALOGH

My Lords, the noble Lord may be convinced that we are not going to give away one iota of our rights in the Continental Shelf. So far as France is concerned, the matter is under arbitration. Certainly we shall maintain the principles which have been adopted by this Government, and even by the preceding Government, altough they were somewhat lax in securing all that they might have secured for the country.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, will the Government take very great care about the beauty of this Western coastline, and particularly of South Dorset, when they are considering these developments?

Lord BALOGH

My Lords, the drilling being very far off shore, I think I can assure the noble Lord and my noble friend that the greatest care will be taken in bringing home the oil which we hope is there.