§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will define the nature and limit of United Kingdom control over the minerals lying beneath the Continental Shelf up to the United Kingdom median line.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantUnited Kingdom jurisdiction over the sea bed and natural resources of the Continental Shelf is designated under Section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964. The right to exploit minerals within the designated areas is vested in the Crown or, in the case of coal, the National Coal Board.
Development of petroleum and natural gas resources is licensed by my Department in accordance with the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934, as extended by the Continental Shelf Act 1964, and regulations made under it. Development of other minerals—except coal—is subject to licences issued by the Crown Estate Commissioners. Before issuing a licence the commissioners consult those Government Departments whose responsibilities extend to the Continental Shelf.