§ 44. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy, further to his reply to the hon. Member for West Lothian on 16 November on his proposed legislation on the British National Oil Corporation, how long he proposes to allow for detailed discussion with the parties affected.
§ Mr. GrayThere will be the usual opportunities for detailed discussion following the introduction of legislation.
§ Mr. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many concessions held by the British National Oil Corporation have been surrendered; and how many have been acquired by private companies since May 1979.
§ Mr. GrayThe British National Oil Corporation has surrendered acreage in 14 licences covering a total of 33 blocks or part blocks. These figures include territory relinquished by BNOC and its various partners in accordance with the mandatory surrender requirements incorporated in licences. Of the above total, seven blocks or part blocks have subsequently been relicensed: four to groups including BNOC and private sector companies, two to private sector companies only, and one to a BGC subsidiary.