HC Deb 22 March 1976 vol 908 cc2-3W
20. Mr. Alexander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what criteria he proposes to apply in awarding the next round of licences for the exploration of oil and gas in the North Sea.

22. Mr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects the next round of licensing in the North Sea to be announced.

Mr. Benn

I hope to be in a position to invite applications for offshore production licences within the next few months. I will announce details of the licensing arrangements, including the criteria to be applied, at the time of the invitation. Arrangements will contain provision for majority State participation in commercial fields.