HC Deb 02 July 1980 vol 987 cc556-7W
Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the seventh round of offshore licensing.

Mr. Gray

[pursuant to the reply, 1 May 1980, c. 606–7]: I wish to give the following further information.

The closing date for applications for seventh round licences is to be noon on 11 August 1980.

I have today placed in the House Libraries copies of the text of the Gazette notice, now being printed, which will formally invite applications for the seventh round of offshore petroleum production licensing. The notice sets out the arrangements for the round, including details first announced on 1 May. In addition, it provides further information on the arrangements for obtaining secure access to petroleum produced from areas licensed under the round.