§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he proposes to grant licences covering exploration on the Continental Shelf west of the Orkneys and in the Celtic Sea off Cornwall and the Irish Republic.
§ Mr. RidleyA production licence for four blocks west of the Orkneys was awarded in June last year. A decision has not yet been made about the timing of an invitation for further applications for production licences in the various areas of the Continental Shelf.
Exploration licences are granted at any time to acceptable applicants.