HC Deb 22 March 1976 vol 908 cc5-6W
30. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the occasions when he has discussed exploitation of North Sea oil resources, including the next round of licences in the North Sea with overseas Governments.

Mr. Benn

Since taking my present office I have met representatives of foreign Governments both at home and overseas on a number of occasions. None of these meetings has been for the sole purpose of discussing the exploitation of North Sea oil resources but as appropriate I have described progress being made in developing our offshore petroleum resources and informed them of my intention to hold a further round of offshore licences this year.