§ 33. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Power when he will announce plans for further applications for exploration licences for gas and hydrocarbons in the North Sea, in the Irish Sea and in the English Channel.
§ Mr. FreesonApplications for exploration licences may be made at any time, but applications for production licences, which I think the hon. Member may have in mind, may be made only at my right hon. Friend's invitation. No decision has yet been made about inviting further applications for production licences.