HC Deb 20 December 1945 vol 417 c1683W
Colonel Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what has been the total sum of money spent during recent years in searching for oil in this country, distinguishing this as far as possible from the cost of actual production; and whether the expenditure on actual search was borne by the Government, or by whom it was borne.

Mr. Shinwell

The cost of searching for and producing oil in this country is borne by the licensees. It is known that the expenditure has been considerable but details are not available.