§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether any of the 125 consortia comprising some 200 companies which have made application for 95 blocks in the seventh round of licensing have notified their intention or have withdrawn as of 9 December following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's proposals for a new tax regime for the North Sea.
§ Mr. GrayNo applicant groups have withdrawn or advised me of their intention to do so following the statement by my right hon. and learned Friend on 24 November.