HC Deb 22 July 1964 vol 699 cc110-2W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Power if he will state the names and number of applicants for production licences under the Continental Shelf Act 1964, the number granted, and the areas authorised in each case.

Mr. Peyton

Thirty-one applications have been received. The applicants include almost every major oil company operating in this country and other important interests. I do not think it would be right to publish the names of applicants, but particulars of the licences, when granted, will be published in theLondon Gazette as required by statute.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Power if he will identify the 12 applicants for exploration licences and the extent of the area granted in each case; and if he will place in the Library a map with the boundaries delineated thereon.

Mr. Peyton

I do not think it would be right to publish the names of applicants, but particulars of the licences, when granted, will be published in theLondon Gazette as required by statute. All exploration licences will normally be granted for the whole of the area designated under Section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act and those parts of the territorial sea not subject to an exclusive licence. The boundaries will vary each time an exclusive licence is granted or terminates, and a map placed in the Library now could therefore be misleading.