§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when he expects the next planning agreement to be concluded with a company engaged in North Sea oil operations;
(2) how many planning agreements have been entered into by oil companies operating in the North Sea.
§ Mr. John SmithThere are no immediate plans to enter into planning agreements covering North Sea oil operations. Under the terms of licences my right hon. Friend has powers of control over all important aspects of operations, including field development and production.