HC Deb 23 March 1965 vol 709 cc54-5W
102. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power if he will state the terms on which he has granted licences to the Caltex Group and American Overseas Petroleum Ltd. to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea.

103. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Power what are the terms of the licences granted to United States oil companies permitting them to drill for oil and gas in the British sovereign areas of the North Sea.

Mr. Frederick Lee

I have not issued any production licences to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea except in one case where I completed the formal procedure for a licence already offered and accepted before the election. The licences granted by my predecessor to California Oil Co. Ltd., and Texaco North Sea U.K. Ltd., and to other licensees, incorporate the model clauses prescribed in the Petroleum (Production) (Continental Shelf and Territorial Sea) Regulations, 1964, and the provisions for payments to the Minister published in theLondon Gazette on 15th May, 1964.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Power what progress has been reported to him by companies prospecting for oil and gas in the North Sea.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power when, under the licences granted by him to persons or companies to drill for oil and gas under the North Sea, the licensees must periodically report to him the success or otherwise of their operations; what reports he has received; and if he will state their contents.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Each licensee is required to submit monthly and annual returns of the progress of his operations. Monthly returns have been received since September, 1964. These returns are confidential.