HC Deb 18 July 1967 vol 750 cc217-8W
62. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power in view of the diminution of oil supplies from the Middle East, what added assistance and facilities he is giving, and plans to give, to those persons and companies that are drilling in the North Sea and elsewhere in British waters in order to increase the supplies of oil to Great Britain.

Mr. Freeson

Licensees have ample incentive to press on with this work and need no added assistance or facilities from my right hon. Friend. Increased effort now would not result in additional supplies of oil for at least two years.