Oil and Gas Exploration

HC Deb 25 March 1974 vol 871 cc3-4W

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give a list of the relevant Acts controlling the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources on land in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Strang

The Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 provides for the grant of licences for exploration and production. Conditions of licences are contained in model clauses prescribed by regulations under the Act. The operations of licensees are subject to requirements imposed under other enactments, including the following:

• Town and Country Planning Act 1971.
• Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972.
• Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts 1951–61.
• Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Acts 1951–65.
• Water Act 1945.
• Water Resources Act 1963.
• Water (Scotland) Acts 1946–67.
• Pipelines Act 1962.

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State of Energy if he will publish the terms and conditions and locations of oil and gas exploration rights already granted on land in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Strang

Rights are granted by way of licences, the terms and conditions of which are set out in model clauses prescribed by the following regulations made under the Petroleum Production Act, 1934:

• The Petroleum (Production) Regulations 1935.
• The Petroleum (Production) (Amendment) Regulations 1954.
• The Petroleum (Production) (Amendment) Regulations 1957.
• The Petroleum (Production) Regulations 1966.
• The Petroleum (Production) (Amendment) Regulations 1971.
• The Petroleum (Production) (Amendment) Regulations 1972.

As required by the Act, the locations of licences granted are published in the London and Edinburgh Gazettes. A map is being prepared and will be lodged in the Library.