§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation he has had, or proposes, with Dorset district councils, concerning proposals for exploration and extraction of oil or natural gas in Dorset.
§ Mr. Marks:We have not had any consultation with Dorset district councils in relation to proposals for exploration or extraction of oil or natural gas on land in Dorset. The normal development control machinery makes provision for consultation with district councils on applications for planning permission for such development. The granting of 256W licences for exploration and extraction is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.