§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what agreement was reached in the Energy Council discussions in Luxembourg on 9 October concerning future exploration and investment in the hydrocarbon sector; and how far such agreement will affect North Sea oil and gas in the United Kingdom exclusive economic zone.
§ Mr. GrayThere was no agreement in the Council on 9 October to proposals to provide Community support for hydrocarbon exploration projects. The Council approved the allocation of funds totalling 22.5 meua* for phase 1 of round five of the scheme to support projects for technological development. This includes support of 5.3 meua* for seven United Kingdom projects.
*meua: million European units of account.