HC Deb 02 June 1980 vol 985 cc574-5W
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]: The Petroleum (Production) (Amendment) Regulations 1980, which are a necessary preliminary step before the formal invitation of applications under the seventh round of licensing, were laid before Parliament on 23 May and will come into operation on 14 June 1980. The formal invitation to apply for licences will be published as soon as possible thereafter.