§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what opportunities he will make available to the general public to be consulted and informed about the implications for South-East Dorset and South-West Hampshire, of the exploitation of oil resources in the region; and if he will ensure that no decisions to exploit these resources are taken prior to full public discussion.
§ Dr. MabonThe award of all landward petroleum licences, including those for areas in South-East Dorset and South-West Hampshire, is publicised in the officialGazettes. Any facilities necessary for the purpose of exploiting reserves of oil which may be found are subject to normal planning permission; the procedure for dealing with planning applications provides the opportunity for local interests to be informed about the proposed works and to make their views known to the planning authority.