HC Deb 10 November 1975 vol 899 c391W
29. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has for encouraging further exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea and the eastern Atlantic.

Mr. John Smith

As my right hon. Friend announced on 23rd September, in order to ensure continued exploration a further round of offshore licensing will be held in 1976. The selection of areas for licensing will be made from the designated areas of the Continental Shelf as a whole, including the North Sea and eastern Atlantic.