HC Deb 15 October 1968 vol 770 cc77-8W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power on what grounds the Government gave licences to individuals and companies to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea rather than to nationalised British industries.

Mr. Mason

The overriding reason was the Government's wish to maintain the pace and momentum of exploration and development of the Continental Shelf. In awarding licences, account was taken of proposals for participation by the nationalised industries. The Gas Council and National Coal Board now have a share in 14 licences.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Power, if he will give details of the progress of drilling for oil in the North Sea under licence from him; and what estimate he has made of the effects in Scotland of the discovery and production of such oil.

Mr. Mason

172 wells had been completed or were being drilled, by end September, 1968. No oil has yet been found in commercial quantities.