§ Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied that exploration of the North Sea for oil and gas will be on an adequate scale during the next few years; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir J. EdenI keep this under continuing review but the present level of exploration and the favourable response to the recent invitation to apply for new licences suggests there will be a satisfactory rate of exploration in the foreseeable future.