§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence, if he is aware that the British Government within the last few years has granted licences to private firms and individuals to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea, and that the sites for such drilling can be used as military., naval, submarine and air bases adverse to the defence of Great Britain; and if he will take steps to place these sites and bases under British Government control.
§ Mr. HealeyThese licences have been granted under the conditions set out in the Continental Shelf Act, 1964. Section 3 of the Act provides for the prosecution of any act or omission which would constitute an offence against the laws of this country. Adequate steps are being taken to safeguard the defence interests.