§ Mr. Buchanasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consents he has issued during this year under model clause 21(3) of the terms of petroleum production licences.
§ Mr. John SmithUnder model clause 21(3) of the licence terms, as set out in the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Act 1975, the consent of the Secretary of State is required before any gas can be flared—except in an emergency—or injected. Consent has been given for flaring from the Beryl field for one year and for injection for three years from the start of production.
My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the quantities of gas are so small in the first year that there is no practical alternative to flaring. The period of the consent is limited in case circumstances change.