HL Deb 12 July 1979 vol 401 cc1011-2

3.5 p.m.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many conditional awards of licences to explore the United Kingdom Continental Shelf were granted in Round 6 and how many still remain unconfirmed.

The Earl of GOWRIE

My Lords, the conditional award of 42 blocks was announced by the previous Administration on 26th March. None of these awards has yet been confirmed, but good progress is being made in the negotiations to settle the joint operating agreement and work programmes.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that up to about a month ago some oil companies were complaining that in their negotiations to settle the exploration terms, the BNOC was still insisting on provisions in the agreements made out of date by this Government's own policy changes, and that that was itself hindering some of the agreements?

The Earl of GOWRIE

My Lords, the joint operating agreements are being negotiated on the basis of guidelines published by the previous Administration, but with one significant exception—and I think that this answers my noble friend's point. The stipulation that the BNOC should have the first option on any proposed assignment of interest is now to be omitted from the agreements, in accordance with the change in assignment policy announced by my right honourable friend on 14th June.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, will the noble Earl confirm that the present arrangements will include the 51 per cent. participation agreement?

The Earl of GOWRIE

My Lords, I can neither confirm nor deny that.

Several noble Lords: Why not?

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that his last reply gives great solace and comfort?