§ 63. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement on the assistance now being given by the Government to the research in progress for oil sources under the seas surrounding Great Britain.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe activities of certain oil companies in the North Sea, to which the hon. and learned Member refers, are exploration rather than research. They are undertaken for commercial purposes and are not receiving Government financial assistance. The Geological Survey and Museum has, however, provided information which may be of assistance to the companies concerned.