§ 39. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power how many licences he has now granted during the last five years to drill for oil in the North Sea and elsewhere; for which places; and how many, and which, are still in operation.
§ Mr. FreesonNinety such licences have been granted since 1964, 89 for areas in the North Sea and one for an area in the Irish Sea. With the exception of one North Sea licence, all licences still operate.
192W
§ Mr. FreesonNo. The N.B.P.I. has recently done an extensive survey of the gas industry and this increase is not of sufficient economic importance to justify a separate reference.