§ LORD CLITHEROEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Ministry of Fuel and Power will in future consult with the Planning Authorities before issuing prospecting licences "to search and bore for and get petroleum" and whether they will undertake at least to inform landowners and occupiers in the areas for which licences are issued.
§ LORD STONHAMNo. The granting by the Minister of Power of a licence under the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934 does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to obtain planning consent under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1962. Nor does the licence of itself give the licensee any ancillary rights; this is a matter for negotiation between the licensee and the landowner, but if the parties do not come to terms, application may be made under the Mines (Working Facilities and Support) Act, 1966. Section 2 of the Act of 1934 requires the Minister of Power to publish details of licences issued in theLondon Gazette and, where appropriate, in the Edinburgh Gazette.