§ 28. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to improve liaison between his Department and firms engaged in exploiting North Sea oil and gas.
§ Mr. John DaviesI am satisfied that liaison is satisfactory. The firms concerned are the Department's licensees and there is regular contact between them and my officials.
§ 46. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decision of policy he has made in regard to present regional development inspired by the growth of the North Sea oil industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe Government are of course fully aware of the importance of the impact of North Sea oil and are keeping under continuing review the effect this will have for industry and the regions generally.
Associated projects in development and intermediate areas which qualify for assistance will be considered in the normal way.
§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provision is being made in licences issued for the exploration of North Sea oilfields for the surrender of some of the areas involved, within a given period of time.
§ Sir J. EdenThe terms of the licence provide that not less than half the concession area shall be surrendered at the end of the initial six years period of the licence.