§ 28. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many trial boreholes for oil and natural gas are being drilled in areas designated as of outstanding natural beauty ; and what part his Department has played in the granting of planning permission.
§ Mr. RipponTwo trial boreholes in the Dorset area of outstanding natural beauty have recently been completed, and I understand that a third was expected to be started this month. In each case planning permission has been granted by the local planning authority.