§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will propose joint departmental action on 120W measures designed to encourage exploration for oil and natural gas in the seas which separate Northern Ireland from Scotland.
§ Mr. Peter MillsStatutory responsibility for the grant of exploration licences in the area between Northern Ireland and Scotland outside Northern Ireland territorial waters rests with the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Northern Ireland Ministry of Commerce has established close liaison with the Department of Trade and Industry about oil and natural gas exploration. In conjunction with the Institute of Geological Sciences the Minstry has assessed the immediate potential of the seas which separate Northern Ireland from Scotland and will be making proposals to the institute with a view to reassessing this potential from time to time as further information becomes available.