HC Deb 27 March 1972 vol 834 cc7-8W
55. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for. Trade and Industry what is the agreed rate at which well head royalties will be levied on production of North Sea oil.

Mr. Ridley

The rate is 12½ per cent.

60. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultation he has had with North Sea oil licensees to co-ordinate their plans for laying pipes on the ocean bed with the fishing industry.

Mr. Ridley

All proposals for submarine pipelines are referred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food so that fishing interests may be properly safeguarded, and to obtain a consent under the Coast Protection Act, 1949, the pipeline must normally be buried.