§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the extent of the delay caused by his Department and the British National Oil Corporation through the deferred formal grant of fifth round licences; what has been its impact upon exploration activity on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf; and whether business operations have been hindered by the rules giving the British National Oil Corporation the right to participate following the assignment of interests in licences.
§ Mr. BennThere has been no undue delay in the grant of fifth round licences, nor in the negotiation by BNOC and its prospective partners of the operating agreements related to the licences. The matters under discussion have been of considerable importance; they must properly protect the national interest, and meet the legitimate concerns of the companies, over a period which may last for nearly 40 years. In 1977 the level of activity in fact exceeded that in 1976 and was entirely satisfactory.
There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that my recent announcement of a new policy on assignment of licence interests has had, or is likely to have, any effect on the level of exploration on the Continental Shelf.