§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of the results of tests currently taking place in southern Hampshire to discover whether or not deposits of recoverable oil exist on shore.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MahonThe tests currently taking place comprise surface surveys directed towards the identification of geological structures which may contain petroleum. The surveys, being carried out under licence, are on a very limited scale and are not yet completed. The licence terms require that information obtained shall for a time be kept commercially confidential.