HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 c272W
Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences have been granted in each of the last three years to explore for minerals in England and Wales, Yorkshire, and the Colne Valley constituency, respectively.

Mr. Emery

Licences permitting exploration for petroleum have been granted as follows:

England and Wales Yorkshire Colne Valley Constituency
1970 15 5 1
1971 26 4
1972
1973 (six months) 11 1

Licences are not required for exploration for other minerals except for gold and silver, in respect of which licences are issued by the Crown Estates Commissioners.