§ Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to award further licences on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf in the search for oil and gas under the fourth production licensing round which was announced on 22nd June.
§ Sir J. EdenI have now decided the allocation for the Southern Basin of the North Sea. A list of the companies and groups of companies who have accepted offers of blocks is being sent to my hon. Friend and a copy placed in the library for reference. I expect to be able to announce further allocations early in the New Year. Official Gazette notices will follow as formal licensing procedures are completed.