HC Deb 19 March 1979 vol 964 cc438-9W
32. Mr. Watt

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, as Great Britain has now reached, or is approaching, self-sufficiency in oil from the North Sea, he will now consider allowing only British-owned companies to apply for licences in the next round of exploration area allocations.

Dr. Mabon

Arrangements for further licensing have yet to be made, but I would expect them both to provide full opportunities for British companies, and to be consistent with international obligations.

25. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it a condition of the granting of future licences to oil companies that they should agree not to charter tankers from shippers convicted of discharging oil or ballast into the sea.

Dr. Mabon

As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the conditions of sixth round licences were prescribed in August 1978. As to future licences, the Government have yet to consider what the arrangements should be. We shall, however, take all relevant matters into account in that consideration.