§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is proposing to have discussions with representatives of all oil companies operating in the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea before a decision is taken on the allocation of the seventh round of licences for the new blocks.
§ Mr. GrayI would expect, as in previous rounds, all companies who apply for licences to be interviewed about their applications, before decisions are made on the awards.