§ The Earl of Lauderdaleasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, apart from built-up areas, there are any parts of the United Kingdom in respect of which they are unwilling to entertain applications for onshore hydrocarbons exploration licences.
The Earl of GowrieUnder the legislation governing applications for petroleum licences in Great Britain and Northern Ireland respectively, applications for licences may be made in respect of any landward866WA area. The subsequent award of any licence does not convey any right of entry on to land; this must be negotiated between the licensee and landowner or occupier. Licensees are also required to obtain such planning permissions as may be necessary before carrying out any operations in the licensed area. Such planning permissions will generally be subject, among other considerations, to appropriate safeguards being taken to protect the environment.