§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will now confirm the award of some licences which were provisionally awarded on 26 March 1978 m the sixth round of licensing on the United Kingdom continental shelf so that exploration work can proceed forthwith; and if he will explain the reasons for the delay in confirmation, in view of the need to start drilling as soon as possible.
§ Mr. David HowellI shall be making a statement on these matters as soon as 863W possible. The right hon. Member can be assured that I wish to see the pace of exploration increased substantially above the level to which under previous policies it has been allowed to fall.