§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Power in view of the fact that the Gas Council is contemplating exploration in the North Sea with a private company, if he will state whether a licence has been granted to the applicant or applicants, whether the Council has applied to him for loans to cover such a venture, what the extent is of the advances required, and up to what figure the Council has been authorised by him to spend on exploration in the North Sea.
§ Mr. PeytonNo licence has yet been granted to the Gas Council. My right hon. Friend has not been asked to advance capital sums for this purpose.