§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government propose to take to assist Japanese participation in North Sea oil and natural gas developments in return for investment in the development areas.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe Government are studying suggestions put forward by the Japanese Government but have not yet reached any conclusion. In the meantime early exchanges between the two Governments on possibilities for Japanese inward investment are planned.
§ Mr. Dellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many North Sea licensees have failed, or are late, in carrying through the work programme negotiated with them.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanHolders of 14 licences granted under First and Second licensing rounds in 1964 and 1965 were unable to complete their work programmes within the six years allowed by the licences, which thereupon lapsed; in each instance initial survey work failed544W to reveal drillable structures. Holders of third and fourth round licences have until 1976 and 1978 respectively to complete their programmes.
§ Mr. Dellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in how many cases, where a North Sea licence was not allocated to a consortium containing one of the major oil companies, the work programme has been subcontracted by the licensee to one of the major oil companies.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanI am not aware of any major oil company having contracted to perform work programmes as a whole, but they have drilled a few wells as contractors to other licensees.