HC Deb 01 March 1966 vol 725 cc247-9W
73. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power by what authority he has granted licences to persons to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea; what steps he has taken to ensure that the licensees shall account to him for the nature and progress of their drilling and for establishing offices in Great Britain contiguous to the drilling; and if he will seek to provide that they shall pay to Her Majesty's Government part of the profits from that drilling.

how many by private landlords; how these figures compare with previous periods; how many local authorities have started improvement areas; and if he will make a statement, in particular on proposals for acceleration of these improvements.

Mr. Mellish

Below are figures of improvement grants over the last four years; between 67 per cent. and 70 per cent. of standard grants to private owners have been for owner-occupied houses. By the end of last year only 53 local authorities had declared improvement areas; others are relying on voluntary methods. My right hon. Friend is considering the whole problem.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Power to grant licences has been conferred on me by Parliament in the Petroleum (Production) Act, 1934, as applied by the Continental Shelf Act, 1964. The licences incorporate the model clauses prescribed in the Petroleum (Production) (Continental Shelf and Territorial Sea) Regulations, 1964, and the provisions for payments to the Minister summarised in theLondon Gazette on 6th August, 1965

74. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power what cost has been incurred by Her Majesty's Government in the granting of licences to drill for oil in the North Sea; and what financial return he expects to get from the explorations and drillings which have taken place under the licences so granted by him.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The cost of licensing under the Petroleum (Production) (Continental Shelf and Territorial Sea) Regulations, 1964, has amounted to approximately £25,600 in the period from 1st April, 1964 to 31st January, 1966. The Government has so far received over £2,700,000 in initial payments, annual payments and application fees. I cannot forecast what further sums will be received from royalties and other payments.