§ 65. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what efforts have been made to explore the possibilities of oil in Malta; what future plans there are for further prospecting; and to whom it is proposed to grant concessions.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am informed by the Maltese Government, within whose competence the matter falls, that the B.P. Exploration Company Ltd. has been exploring for oil in Malta under an oil exploration licence granted in July, 1954, which has since expired. The company applied for an oil prospecting licence but no agreement was reached. I am also informed by the Maltese Government that other companies are interested but I do not have details.