§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the value of recent oil drillings at Worgret/Wareham, Dorset.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe results of drilling cannot be released yet as they are confidential. The value of this work lies in the additional geological knowledge that has been gained.
Perhaps I could take the opportunity to say that I have placed in the Library the draft of a consultative document setting out the arrangements, including provision at my discretion for 51 per cent State participation in production licences, which I propose for forthcoming onshore petroleum licensing. The document will be printed shortly and will be made available to onshore exploration companies, the Confederation of British Industry, the TUC and any other parties which may be interested, for comment as they may wish. I hope that licensing on the basis of arrangements proposed can proceed early in the new year. This in turn should facilitate further onshore petroleum drilling activity, and the acquisition of additional geological knowledge.